Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1636

Average_duration

:

1:57

Heinrich Schütz's 'Himmel und Erde vergehen' (Heaven and Earth shall pass away) is a sacred vocal work composed in 1657. It was premiered in Dresden, Germany, in the same year. The piece is part of Schütz's 'Geistliche Chormusik' (Sacred Choral Music), which is a collection of works that he composed during his tenure as the Kapellmeister at the Dresden court. 'Himmel und Erde vergehen' is a four-movement work that is scored for five voices (SSATB) and basso continuo. The first movement is a motet that sets the text from Matthew 24:35, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." The second movement is a chorale that sets the text of the hymn "Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren" (Now praise, my soul, the Lord). The third movement is a motet that sets the text from Psalm 119:89, "Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven." The final movement is a chorale that sets the text of the hymn "Es ist das Heil uns kommen her" (Salvation has come to us). The characteristics of 'Himmel und Erde vergehen' are typical of Schütz's style. The work is characterized by its expressive harmonies, rich textures, and use of chromaticism. Schütz's use of word painting is also evident in the work, particularly in the first movement, where the music reflects the text's meaning. The work's use of chorales is also typical of Schütz's style, as he often incorporated chorales into his sacred vocal works. Overall, 'Himmel und Erde vergehen' is a beautiful and expressive work that showcases Schütz's mastery of sacred vocal music. Its use of chorales and motets, expressive harmonies, and word painting make it a quintessential example of Schütz's style.

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