Composer

:

Johann Hermann Schein

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Publication Date

:

1623

Average_duration

:

8:53

Johann Hermann Schein's 'Das ist mir lieb (Psalm 116)' is a sacred vocal work composed in the early 17th century. The piece was likely composed in 1623, during Schein's tenure as the Kapellmeister at the Thomaskirche in Leipzig. It was first performed in Leipzig on the 3rd Sunday after Easter in 1623. The work is structured in three movements, each of which is based on a different section of Psalm 116. The first movement is a setting of verses 1-4, the second movement sets verses 5-9, and the final movement sets verses 10-19. The text of the psalm is a hymn of thanksgiving, expressing gratitude for God's mercy and deliverance. The first movement is a lively and joyful setting of the opening verses of the psalm. The music is characterized by a lively triple meter and a bright, major tonality. The vocal lines are highly melismatic, with frequent ornamentation and virtuosic flourishes. The movement concludes with a jubilant Alleluia. The second movement is a more introspective setting of the middle verses of the psalm. The music is slower and more contemplative, with a minor tonality and a more restrained vocal style. The vocal lines are more syllabic, with longer phrases and fewer ornaments. The movement concludes with a prayerful Amen. The final movement is a triumphant setting of the concluding verses of the psalm. The music returns to a major tonality and a lively triple meter, with highly ornamented vocal lines and a jubilant Alleluia. The movement concludes with a final Amen. Overall, 'Das ist mir lieb (Psalm 116)' is a highly expressive and virtuosic work, showcasing Schein's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of sacred music. The work is notable for its use of contrasting musical styles to reflect the different moods and themes of the psalm, as well as its intricate vocal writing and rich harmonic language.

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