Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1619

First Performance

:

Aug 9, 1619

Average_duration

:

6:42

Heinrich Schütz's 'Siehe, wie fein und lieblich ists (Psalm 133), SWV 48' is a sacred choral work that was composed in the early 17th century. The piece is based on Psalm 133, which speaks of the beauty and harmony of unity among brothers. The work is written for a four-part choir and is characterized by its simple yet elegant harmonies and expressive use of text painting. The piece was likely composed in the early 1620s, during Schütz's time as Kapellmeister at the court of Elector Johann Georg I in Dresden. It was first performed in Dresden in 1625 as part of a larger collection of sacred works known as the Becker Psalter. The work is divided into two movements. The first movement begins with a unison statement of the text "Siehe, wie fein und lieblich ists, wenn Brüder einträchtig beieinander wohnen" ("Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity"). The choir then enters with a simple yet expressive melody that is repeated throughout the movement. The harmonies are mostly diatonic, with occasional chromaticism used for expressive effect. The movement ends with a return to the unison statement of the opening text. The second movement begins with a more complex and chromatic melody that is sung by the choir in unison. The text "Es ist wie feines Öls auf dem Haupt, das herabfließt in den Bart, in den Bart Aaron" ("It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, upon the beard of Aaron") is set to a descending chromatic line that is meant to evoke the image of oil flowing down from the head to the beard. The choir then breaks into four parts, with each part singing a different line of text. The movement ends with a return to the opening melody, sung in unison. Overall, 'Siehe, wie fein und lieblich ists (Psalm 133), SWV 48' is a beautiful and expressive choral work that showcases Schütz's mastery of harmony and text painting. Its simple yet elegant melodies and harmonies make it a timeless piece that continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences today.

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