Composer

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Heinrich Scheidemann

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Average_duration

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2:24

Heinrich Scheidemann was a German composer and organist who lived from 1595 to 1663. He was a prominent figure in the North German organ school, which was a group of composers and performers who were active in the 17th century in the area around Hamburg. Scheidemann was one of the most important composers of this school, and he is known for his organ music, which is characterized by its virtuosity and its use of complex counterpoint. One of Scheidemann's most famous works is his chorale setting of "Herzlich lieb hab ich dich, o Herr," which is a hymn that was written by Martin Schalling in the 16th century. Scheidemann's setting of this hymn is for organ, and it consists of four movements. The first movement is a prelude, which is based on the melody of the hymn. The prelude begins with a simple statement of the melody in the upper voice, which is then imitated in the lower voice. The two voices then engage in a dialogue, with the melody passing back and forth between them. The prelude ends with a virtuosic flourish, which showcases Scheidemann's skill as an organist. The second movement is a fugue, which is based on a fragment of the hymn melody. The fugue begins with a subject that is based on this fragment, and this subject is then imitated in various voices. The fugue is characterized by its complex counterpoint, which is typical of Scheidemann's style. The third movement is a trio, which is based on the melody of the hymn. The trio is written for two manuals and pedal, and it features a dialogue between the two manuals, with the pedal providing a bass line. The trio is characterized by its lively rhythm and its use of ornamentation. The fourth and final movement is a chorale, which is a simple setting of the hymn melody. The chorale is written in four parts, and it is characterized by its homophonic texture and its use of suspensions. Overall, Scheidemann's setting of "Herzlich lieb hab ich dich, o Herr" is a masterpiece of the North German organ school. It showcases Scheidemann's skill as a composer and organist, and it is a testament to the rich musical tradition of this region in the 17th century.

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