Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1650

Average_duration

:

4:37

Heinrich Schütz's 'Vater unser, der du bist im Himmel' (Our Father, who art in heaven) is a sacred choral work that was composed in 1625. It is also known as SWV 411 (Op. 12/14) and is part of Schütz's collection of sacred works, 'Geistliche Chormusik'. The piece was premiered in Dresden, Germany, in the same year it was composed. 'Vater unser, der du bist im Himmel' is a setting of the Lord's Prayer in German. The piece is divided into six movements, each of which corresponds to a different phrase of the prayer. The first movement begins with a simple and homophonic setting of the opening phrase, 'Our Father, who art in heaven'. The second movement is a lively and joyful setting of the phrase 'Hallowed be thy name'. The third movement is a more contemplative setting of the phrase 'Thy kingdom come'. The fourth movement is a prayerful setting of the phrase 'Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven'. The fifth movement is a joyful and celebratory setting of the phrase 'Give us this day our daily bread'. The final movement is a peaceful and contemplative setting of the phrase 'And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us'. The characteristics of 'Vater unser, der du bist im Himmel' are typical of Schütz's style. The piece is written for a four-part choir, with each voice part having its own distinct melody. The harmonies are simple and homophonic, with occasional moments of polyphony. The piece is also characterized by its use of word painting, where the music reflects the meaning of the text. For example, the joyful and celebratory setting of 'Give us this day our daily bread' is reflected in the lively and energetic music. Overall, 'Vater unser, der du bist im Himmel' is a beautiful and contemplative setting of the Lord's Prayer. Its simple harmonies and use of word painting make it a timeless piece of sacred choral music.

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