Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Song

Publication Date

:

1657

Average_duration

:

1:19

Heinrich Schütz's 'Aller Augen warten auf dich' (SWV 429, Op. 13/10) is a sacred motet for eight voices, composed in 1650. The piece was premiered in Dresden, Germany, where Schütz served as the court composer for the Elector of Saxony. The motet is divided into two movements, with the first movement being a setting of Psalm 145:15-16, and the second movement being a setting of Psalm 104:27-28. The first movement is in a lively triple meter, with the voices alternating between homophonic and polyphonic textures. The second movement is in a slower duple meter, with the voices singing in a more homophonic style. Schütz's use of harmony and counterpoint in 'Aller Augen warten auf dich' is characteristic of his style, which was heavily influenced by the Italian Baroque. The piece features rich harmonies, with dissonances used to create tension and resolution. The vocal lines are often imitative, with one voice echoing another in a call-and-response style. The text of the motet is a prayer to God, asking for sustenance and protection. The first movement speaks of God's providence, with the text reading, "The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing." The second movement speaks of God's care for all creatures, with the text reading, "These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season. That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good." Overall, 'Aller Augen warten auf dich' is a beautiful example of Schütz's sacred music, showcasing his skill in harmony, counterpoint, and text setting. Its premiere in Dresden would have been a significant event, as Schütz was highly regarded as a composer and his music was widely performed throughout Germany.

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