Composer

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Leonhard Lechner

Genre

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Miscellaneous

Style

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Miscellaneous

Average_duration

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3:30

"Wann Wir in Höchsten Nöten Sein" is a sacred vocal work composed by Leonhard Lechner in the late 16th century. The piece was likely composed in the early 1590s, during Lechner's tenure as Kapellmeister at the court of Count Palatine Philipp Ludwig in Neuburg an der Donau. The work is scored for four voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and is written in the German language. The piece is structured in four movements, each of which is based on a different verse of the hymn "Wann wir in höchsten Nöten sein" by Martin Luther. The first movement is a setting of the first verse of the hymn and is marked "Langsam" (slow). The second movement is a setting of the second verse and is marked "Schnell" (fast). The third movement is a setting of the third verse and is marked "Langsam" (slow). The final movement is a setting of the fourth verse and is marked "Schnell" (fast). The first movement begins with a homophonic setting of the first line of the hymn, with all four voices singing in unison. The texture then becomes more complex, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in imitation. The second movement is much more lively, with the voices racing through the text in a series of rapid-fire phrases. The third movement returns to a slower tempo and a more homophonic texture, with the voices singing in close harmony. The final movement is the most complex of the four, with the voices engaging in intricate counterpoint and imitative passages. Overall, "Wann Wir in Höchsten Nöten Sein" is a fine example of late Renaissance sacred music. The piece showcases Lechner's skill as a composer, particularly in his use of counterpoint and imitation. The work is also notable for its use of the German language, which was still relatively uncommon in sacred music at the time.

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