Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Publication Date

:

1639

Average_duration

:

8:14

Heinrich Schütz's 'Quemadmodum desiderat cervus, SWV 336 (Op. 9/31)' is a sacred motet for five voices, composed in the early 17th century. The piece is based on Psalm 42, which speaks of the longing of the soul for God, and is one of Schütz's most famous works. The composition of 'Quemadmodum desiderat cervus' is believed to have taken place in the early 1620s, during Schütz's time as Kapellmeister at the court of Elector Johann Georg I in Dresden. The piece was likely composed for use in the court chapel, where Schütz was responsible for providing music for religious services. The motet is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the text of Psalm 42. The first movement is a setting of the opening verse of the psalm, in which the psalmist expresses his longing for God. The music is characterized by a sense of yearning and urgency, with the voices rising and falling in a series of overlapping phrases. The second movement is a setting of the second verse of the psalm, in which the psalmist speaks of his thirst for God. The music is more contemplative in character, with the voices weaving together in a series of intricate harmonies. The final movement is a setting of the third verse of the psalm, in which the psalmist speaks of his hope in God. The music is characterized by a sense of joy and exultation, with the voices rising to a triumphant climax. Throughout the motet, Schütz employs a range of musical techniques to convey the emotional content of the text. These include the use of dissonance and chromaticism to create a sense of tension and longing, as well as the use of imitative counterpoint to create a sense of unity and coherence among the voices. Overall, 'Quemadmodum desiderat cervus' is a powerful and deeply expressive work that reflects Schütz's mastery of the sacred music genre. Its combination of rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and emotional intensity make it a timeless masterpiece of the Baroque era.

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