This simple and moving falsobordone setting of the Requiem Gradual and Tract (Requiem æternam and Absolve Domine) was composed by Giovanni Nanino (1545–1607).

Giovanni Maria Nanino (1543/4-1607) belongs to the Roman school of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594). These two surviving Requiem pieces belonging certainly to a Mass for the Dead. The first is the quotation of the Gradual/Graduale “Requiem aeternam” which is set by Nanino for four voices ATTB. It is worked out by Nanino in a recitative homophonic form which is used in the Psalms performances outside Mass-ceremonies in monasteries. The Gradual consists out of 12 bars. The second piece is the quotation of the Tract/Tractus “Absolve, Domine” which is set by Nanino for four voices ATTB. It is worked out by Nanino in the same recitative homophonic form as mentioned before which is used in the Psalms performances outside Mass ceremonies in monasteries. The Tractus consists out of 12 bars. At the end of each phrase Nanino underlines the wording. Due to the fact Nanino was employed in the Papel Chapel in Rome these settings are certainly written to use in Requiem ceremonies. Therefore it is simple set by Nanino but when you take the music not to fast it is worth to be performed. It is even moving!

Text: Graduale
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Verse: In memoria aeterna erit iustus:
ab auditione mala non timebit.

Translation:
Give them eternal rest, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine on them.
The just man shall be remembered everlastingly,
he will not fear an evil hearing.

Text: Tractus
Absolve, Domine, animas omnium fidelium defunctorum ab omni vinculo delictorum.
V: Et gratia tua illis succurrente, mereantur evadere Judicium ultionis.
V: Et lucis aeternae beatitudine perfrui.

Translation:
Deliver, O Lord, the souls of all the departed faithful from all bondage of their sins.
V: And by your sustaining grace, may they be worthy of escaping the chastisement of judgment.
V: And partake in the happiness of eternal light.