Composer

:

Johann Hermann Schein

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Publication Date

:

1623

Average_duration

:

4:46

'Zion spricht: der Herr hat mich verlassen (Israelis Brünlein No. 7)' is a sacred vocal work composed by Johann Hermann Schein in the early 17th century. The piece was first published in 1623 as part of Schein's collection of sacred songs, 'Israelis Brünlein'. The work is written for four voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and is based on a text from the Book of Lamentations in the Bible. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement begins with a mournful and dissonant opening, with the voices singing in a homophonic texture. The text, "Zion spricht: der Herr hat mich verlassen" (Zion says: the Lord has forsaken me), is repeated several times throughout the movement, with the voices gradually building in intensity and emotion. The movement ends with a final plea for God's mercy. The second movement is a more hopeful and uplifting section, with the text "Aber der Herr wird mich wieder trösten" (But the Lord will comfort me again). The voices sing in a more polyphonic texture, with each voice part weaving in and out of each other. The movement ends with a joyful and triumphant declaration of faith. The final movement returns to the mournful and dissonant opening of the first movement, with the text "Siehe, o Herr, wie ich so gar nichts bin" (Behold, O Lord, how I am nothing at all). The voices sing in a homophonic texture once again, with the final plea for God's mercy and grace. Overall, 'Zion spricht: der Herr hat mich verlassen' is a powerful and emotional work that reflects the religious turmoil of the time in which it was composed. Schein's use of dissonance and polyphony creates a sense of tension and release, reflecting the struggle between despair and hope that is expressed in the text. The work remains a popular piece in the sacred vocal repertoire to this day.

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