In this volume, Jochen Brieger helps us to comprehend the compositional processes and choices that were decisive in bringing about the beginning introductory part to a motet. The author thereby uses his comprehensive analysis of the subjects of motets by the notable Italian composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina.

In the three main chapters on melody, rhythm and compositional techniques he first examines the key parameters individually before discussing their interplay and weighting. At the...