Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Psalm

Publication Date

:

1619

Average_duration

:

8:52

Heinrich Schütz's 'Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren' (Now praise, my soul, the Lord) is a sacred vocal work composed in 1619. It is part of his Opus 2 collection, which was published in Venice in 1625. The piece is scored for five voices (SSATB) and continuo. The work is divided into three movements. The first movement is a lively and joyful setting of Psalm 103:1-2, which begins with the words "Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren" (Now praise, my soul, the Lord). The music is characterized by its rhythmic energy and lively counterpoint, with each voice contributing to the overall texture. The second movement is a more contemplative setting of Psalm 103:3-5, which describes God's mercy and compassion. The music is slower and more introspective, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a gentle and expressive manner. The final movement returns to the joyful mood of the first, with a setting of Psalm 103:19-22, which praises God's sovereignty and power. The music is once again characterized by its lively rhythms and intricate counterpoint, building to a triumphant conclusion. Overall, 'Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren' is a prime example of Schütz's skill in combining the Italianate style of his time with the German Lutheran tradition. The work is marked by its expressive melodies, lively rhythms, and intricate counterpoint, all of which serve to highlight the text and convey its meaning to the listener.

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