Composer

:

Hugo Distler

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

10:11

'Fürwahr, er trug unsere Krankheit, Op.12/9' is a choral work composed by Hugo Distler in 1935. It was premiered in the same year in Berlin, Germany. The piece is part of Distler's larger work, 'Choralpassion', which is a musical setting of the Passion of Christ. 'Fürwahr, er trug unsere Krankheit' is the ninth movement of the 'Choralpassion' and is based on the biblical text from Isaiah 53:4-5. The text speaks of the suffering servant who bears the sins and illnesses of humanity. The music is written for a four-part choir and is characterized by its use of dissonance and chromaticism. The piece begins with a somber and mournful melody that is repeated throughout the movement. The choir sings in a homophonic style, with all voices singing the same melody at the same time. The harmonies are often dissonant, creating a sense of tension and unease. The middle section of the piece features a solo voice singing a melodic line that is accompanied by the choir. The soloist sings the text "Doch er ist um unsrer Missetat willen verwundet und um unsrer Sünde willen zerschlagen" (But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities). The melody is haunting and mournful, emphasizing the suffering of the servant. The final section of the piece returns to the original melody sung by the choir. The harmonies become more dissonant and chromatic, creating a sense of tension and unease. The piece ends with a final repetition of the opening melody, sung softly and mournfully. Overall, 'Fürwahr, er trug unsere Krankheit' is a powerful and emotional choral work that captures the suffering and sacrifice of the biblical text. Distler's use of dissonance and chromaticism creates a sense of tension and unease, emphasizing the weight of the text. The solo voice adds a personal and intimate touch to the piece, highlighting the individual's relationship with the suffering servant.

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