Composer

:

Johann Hermann Schein

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1623

Average_duration

:

3:20

'Die mit Tränen säen (Israelis Brünlein No. 3)' 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 vocal music, 'Israelis Brünlein'. The work is a setting of Psalm 126, which is a song of ascent that expresses the joy of the Israelites returning to Jerusalem after their exile in Babylon. The piece is divided into six movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the psalm text. The first movement is a choral setting of the opening verse of the psalm, 'When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion'. The second movement is a duet for soprano and alto that expresses the joy of the Israelites as they return to their homeland. The third movement is a choral setting of the verse 'They that sow in tears shall reap in joy', which is the source of the work's title. The fourth movement is a trio for alto, tenor, and bass that reflects on the hardships that the Israelites faced during their exile. The fifth movement is a choral setting of the verse 'He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him'. The final movement is a choral setting of the closing verse of the psalm, 'Peace be upon Israel'. The work is characterized by its expressive use of harmony and counterpoint, as well as its sensitive treatment of the text. Schein's use of chromaticism and dissonance in the work's opening choral setting creates a sense of tension and anticipation that is resolved in the joyful duet that follows. The third movement's choral setting of the title verse is particularly poignant, with its descending chromatic lines and expressive dissonances conveying the sense of sorrow and longing expressed in the text. The trio in the fourth movement is notable for its use of imitative counterpoint, which creates a sense of unity and solidarity among the voices. Overall, 'Die mit Tränen säen (Israelis Brünlein No. 3)' is a masterful example of sacred vocal music from the early Baroque period. Its expressive use of harmony and counterpoint, combined with its sensitive treatment of the psalm text, make it a powerful and moving work that continues to resonate with audiences today.

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