Composer

:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1779

Average_duration

:

4:51

"Kommet her, ihr frechen Sünder" (Come here, you impudent sinners) is a sacred composition by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, catalogued as K. 146 (317b). It was composed in Salzburg in 1772, when Mozart was just 16 years old. The piece was written for the liturgical celebration of the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary, which is also known as Candlemas. The composition consists of three movements: an opening chorus, a recitative, and a closing chorus. The text is based on a German hymn by Johann Balthasar König, which was commonly used in Lutheran churches during the 18th century. Mozart's setting of the hymn is scored for four-part choir, strings, and continuo. The first movement, the opening chorus, is a lively and joyful piece that sets the tone for the entire composition. The choir sings the text in unison, accompanied by the strings and continuo. The music is characterized by its rhythmic energy and melodic inventiveness, with Mozart using a variety of musical devices to create a sense of excitement and anticipation. The second movement, the recitative, is a solo piece for bass voice and continuo. The text is a warning to sinners to repent and turn to God, and the music is appropriately somber and introspective. The bass voice is accompanied by a simple and understated continuo, which allows the text to take center stage. The final movement, the closing chorus, is a triumphant and exuberant piece that celebrates the power of God's mercy and forgiveness. The choir sings the text in four-part harmony, accompanied by the strings and continuo. The music is characterized by its joyful energy and sense of release, with Mozart using a variety of musical devices to create a sense of celebration and thanksgiving. Overall, "Kommet her, ihr frechen Sünder" is a masterful example of Mozart's early sacred music. The composition showcases his skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both technically impressive and emotionally engaging. It remains a popular piece in the choral repertoire to this day.

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