Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Madrigal

Publication Date

:

1611

Average_duration

:

3:04

Heinrich Schütz's 'Vasto mar, nel cui seno' is a sacred concerto for five voices and basso continuo, composed in 1611. It was premiered in Venice, Italy, during Schütz's travels as a young man. The piece is part of his Opus 1 collection, which was published in Venice in 1611. The concerto is divided into three movements, with the text taken from Psalm 69: "Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me." The first movement is a duet for two sopranos, with the voices intertwining and overlapping in a complex and expressive manner. The second movement is a solo for bass, with the voice descending to the depths of the text's imagery. The final movement is a four-part chorus, with the voices coming together in a powerful and dramatic conclusion. Schütz's use of chromaticism and dissonance in the piece is notable, as it adds to the emotional intensity of the text. The use of word painting is also evident, with the music reflecting the imagery of sinking in deep waters and being swept away by a flood. The piece is a prime example of Schütz's early style, which was heavily influenced by the Italian madrigal and the Venetian polychoral tradition. Overall, 'Vasto mar, nel cui seno' is a powerful and expressive work that showcases Schütz's skill as a composer and his ability to convey deep emotion through music. Its premiere in Venice was a significant moment in Schütz's career, as it marked the beginning of his lifelong fascination with Italian music and culture.

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