Composer

:

Johann Hermann Schein

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Madrigal

Publication Date

:

1623

Average_duration

:

2:48

"Ich freue mich im Herren" is a sacred vocal work composed by Johann Hermann Schein, a German composer of the early Baroque era. The piece is part of his collection of sacred vocal music, "Israelis Brünlein," which was published in 1623. The collection consists of 26 sacred vocal works, each based on a biblical text. "Ich freue mich im Herren" is the 14th piece in the collection and is based on Psalm 104:34. The piece is written for four voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and is scored for a cappella choir. The work is in the key of G major and is in triple meter. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is a joyful and lively setting of the text "Ich freue mich im Herren" (I rejoice in the Lord). The second movement is a slower and more contemplative setting of the text "Wie sind deine Werke so groß" (How great are your works). The final movement returns to the joyful mood of the first movement and sets the text "Lobet den Herrn, meine Seele" (Praise the Lord, my soul). The characteristics of "Ich freue mich im Herren" reflect the style of early Baroque sacred vocal music. The piece features imitative polyphony, in which the voices imitate each other in a contrapuntal fashion. The vocal lines are often ornamented with trills and other embellishments, adding to the expressive nature of the music. The use of triple meter in the piece also adds to its joyful and dance-like character. "Ich freue mich im Herren" premiered in 1623, when it was first published in "Israelis Brünlein." The piece has since become a staple of the sacred vocal repertoire and is still performed and recorded today.

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