Composer

:

Gottfried August Homilius

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

93:25

Ein Lämmlein geht und trägt die Schuld is a sacred cantata composed by Gottfried August Homilius in 1775. The cantata was premiered on Good Friday of the same year at the Frauenkirche in Dresden, Germany. The piece is divided into six movements, each of which reflects on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the redemption of humanity. The first movement, "Ein Lämmlein geht und trägt die Schuld," is a chorale that sets the tone for the entire piece. The melody is simple and plaintive, with the choir singing in unison. The text speaks of the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, who takes on the sins of the world. The second movement, "O süßer Jesus Christus," is a duet for soprano and alto. The music is gentle and flowing, with the two voices intertwining in a beautiful harmony. The text speaks of the love of Christ and the comfort that his sacrifice brings to those who believe in him. The third movement, "Ach, wie hungert mein Gemüte," is a recitative for tenor. The music is sparse and mournful, with the tenor singing in a declamatory style. The text speaks of the hunger and thirst that the soul feels for the love of Christ. The fourth movement, "O Jesu, meine Liebe," is an aria for bass. The music is joyful and uplifting, with the bass singing in a lively and energetic style. The text speaks of the joy and peace that comes from knowing Christ and being redeemed by his sacrifice. The fifth movement, "So geht denn hin, ihr meine Sünden," is a recitative for bass. The music is somber and reflective, with the bass singing in a mournful and introspective style. The text speaks of the guilt and shame that the soul feels for its sins, and the need for redemption. The final movement, "O selig, wer nun Jesum hat," is a chorale that brings the piece to a close. The music is triumphant and joyful, with the choir singing in a full and rich harmony. The text speaks of the blessedness of those who have found salvation in Christ, and the hope that his sacrifice brings to all who believe in him. Overall, Ein Lämmlein geht und trägt die Schuld is a beautiful and moving piece of sacred music. Homilius's music is simple and direct, yet deeply expressive, and the text speaks to the heart of the Christian faith. The piece is a testament to the power of music to inspire and uplift the soul, and to the enduring relevance of the message of Christ's sacrifice and redemption.

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