Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1648

Average_duration

:

5:57

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Heinrich Schütz's 'Es wird das Szepter von Juda' is a two-part sacred composition that was composed in 1650. The piece was premiered in Dresden, Germany, in the same year. The composition is also known as SWV 369-370 or Op. 11/1-2. The first movement of the composition, SWV 369, is a motet for five voices and continuo. The text of the motet is taken from the Old Testament book of Genesis, chapter 49, verse 10. The movement begins with a solo voice singing the text "Es wird das Szepter von Juda nicht entwendet werden" (The scepter shall not depart from Judah). The other voices then join in, creating a rich and complex polyphonic texture. The movement is characterized by its use of imitative counterpoint and its expressive harmonies. The second movement, SWV 370, is a sacred concerto for two sopranos, two violins, and continuo. The text of the concerto is also taken from the Old Testament book of Genesis, chapter 49, verse 10. The movement begins with a duet between the two sopranos, who sing the text "Es wird das Szepter von Juda nicht entwendet werden." The violins then enter, playing a lively and virtuosic instrumental interlude. The sopranos then return, singing a new text that praises God for his mercy and faithfulness. The movement is characterized by its lively instrumental writing and its joyful, celebratory tone. Overall, 'Es wird das Szepter von Juda' is a powerful and expressive sacred composition that showcases Schütz's mastery of polyphonic writing and his ability to create rich and complex textures. The piece is notable for its use of biblical texts and its emphasis on the themes of faith, mercy, and redemption.

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