Composer

:

Dietrich Buxtehude

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

6:32

Dietrich Buxtehude's 'Wenn ich, Herr Jesu, habe dich' (BuxWV 107) is a sacred vocal work composed for solo bass, two violins, viola da gamba, and continuo. The piece is believed to have been composed in the late 1670s or early 1680s during Buxtehude's tenure as the organist at the Marienkirche in Lübeck, Germany. The work is structured in three movements, each of which is based on a biblical text. The first movement is a setting of Psalm 73:25-26, "Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." The second movement is a setting of John 6:68, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life." The final movement is a setting of Revelation 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." The first movement is a slow and contemplative aria in which the solo bass sings the psalm text over a gently pulsing continuo. The two violins and viola da gamba provide a delicate accompaniment, weaving in and out of the vocal line with ornamental flourishes. The second movement is a faster and more lively aria in which the solo bass sings the text over a lively instrumental accompaniment. The violins and viola da gamba provide a lively counterpoint to the vocal line, creating a sense of joyful exuberance. The final movement is a chorale setting in which the solo bass sings the text over a simple and stately instrumental accompaniment. The violins and viola da gamba provide a gentle harmonic support, creating a sense of peaceful resolution. Overall, 'Wenn ich, Herr Jesu, habe dich' is a beautiful and deeply spiritual work that showcases Buxtehude's skill as a composer of sacred vocal music. The piece is characterized by its elegant melodies, delicate instrumental accompaniment, and profound sense of religious devotion. It remains a beloved work in the repertoire of sacred vocal music to this day.

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