Composer

:

Gustav Schreck

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

5:18

Der Herr ist mein Hirte, Op. 42 is a sacred cantata composed by Gustav Schreck in 1886. The piece is based on Psalm 23 and is written for four-part choir, soloists, and orchestra. The premiere of the cantata took place on November 14, 1886, in the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, Germany. The cantata consists of five movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the psalm. The first movement is a choral setting of the opening verse of the psalm, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." The second movement is a duet for soprano and alto, which expresses the comfort and protection provided by the shepherd. The third movement is a tenor solo, which reflects on the guidance and direction provided by the shepherd. The fourth movement is a bass solo, which speaks of the shepherd's protection in the face of danger. The final movement is a choral setting of the closing verse of the psalm, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." Schreck's setting of Psalm 23 is characterized by its simplicity and directness. The music is straightforward and unadorned, with a focus on the text and its meaning. The use of soloists and choir allows for a variety of textures and colors, while the orchestration is kept relatively light to allow the voices to shine through. Overall, Der Herr ist mein Hirte, Op. 42 is a beautiful and moving setting of one of the most beloved psalms in the Bible. Its simplicity and directness make it accessible to a wide range of listeners, while its depth and beauty make it a timeless masterpiece of sacred music.

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