Musica Scotica Vol VIII: Robert Johnson - Dum transisset sabbatum for four voices [download]

Edited by Elaine Moohan and Kenneth Elliott.

Johnson’s settings of the third Responsory for Easter Matins, Dum transisset sabbatum feature progressive structural imitation, combined with cantus firmus technique, producing some strong dissonances. The settings allow for the insertion of the plainsong verse ‘Et valde …’ with reprise of the polyphony from ‘Ut venientes’, and the plainsong melody is presented in the Tenor in a largely monorhythmic form. Johnson’s two settings probably date from about 1530. This is the first setting (No. 4), for four voices (SMCTB).

Musica Scotica Vol VIII: The Complete Works of Robert Johnson, the full volume available here.