Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Passion

Compose Date

:

1666

Publication Date

:

ca. 1700

First Performance

:

Apr 1, 1666

Average_duration

:

56:20

Heinrich Schütz's St. Matthew Passion, SWV 479, is a monumental work of sacred music that was composed in 1666. The piece was premiered in the court chapel of the Elector of Saxony in Dresden, Germany. The St. Matthew Passion is a musical setting of the Passion story as told in the Gospel of Matthew, and it is divided into two parts. The first part of the St. Matthew Passion begins with an instrumental introduction that sets the somber and contemplative tone of the piece. The choir then enters with a setting of the opening verses of Matthew's Gospel, which describe the genealogy of Jesus. The narrative then moves to the Last Supper, where Jesus shares bread and wine with his disciples. This section of the piece is characterized by a sense of intimacy and tenderness, as the music reflects the solemnity of the occasion. The second part of the St. Matthew Passion begins with the betrayal of Jesus by Judas and his subsequent arrest. The music becomes more dramatic and intense, reflecting the mounting tension of the story. The trial and crucifixion of Jesus are depicted in vivid detail, with the choir and soloists singing powerful and emotional music that conveys the agony and suffering of the crucifixion. Throughout the St. Matthew Passion, Schütz employs a variety of musical techniques to convey the emotional and spiritual depth of the story. The use of chromaticism, dissonance, and unexpected harmonic shifts creates a sense of tension and unease, while the use of polyphony and counterpoint adds richness and complexity to the music. The use of soloists and choir also adds a sense of contrast and variety to the piece, with the soloists often representing individual characters in the story. Overall, the St. Matthew Passion is a masterful work of sacred music that combines musical and spiritual depth to create a powerful and moving experience for listeners. Its premiere in 1666 marked a significant moment in the history of sacred music, and it continues to be performed and admired by audiences around the world today.

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