Composer

:

Max Reger

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1899

Publication Date

:

1904

Average_duration

:

2:52

"O Jesulein süß" is the sixth movement of Max Reger's "7 Sacred Folk Songs" for mixed choir a cappella. The composition was completed in 1898 and premiered in the same year in Munich, Germany. The piece is a setting of a German Christmas carol, which translates to "O sweet little Jesus". Reger's arrangement is in four-part harmony, with the melody carried by the soprano line. The harmonies are rich and complex, with frequent use of chromaticism and dissonance. The piece begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the soprano line, accompanied by sustained chords in the other voices. The second verse introduces a new melody in the alto line, which is then passed to the tenor and bass voices in turn. The third verse returns to the original melody, but with a more elaborate accompaniment. The final verse is a reprise of the first, but with a more subdued ending. Reger's setting of "O Jesulein süß" is characteristic of his style, which combines traditional tonality with modern chromaticism and dissonance. The piece is also notable for its use of counterpoint, with each voice contributing to the overall texture. Despite its complexity, the piece retains a sense of simplicity and intimacy, reflecting the humble subject matter of the carol.

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