Composer

:

Johann Hermann Schein

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1626

Average_duration

:

5:26

Johann Hermann Schein's 'O Maria, gebenedeiet bist du unter den Weibern' is a sacred motet that was composed in the early 17th century. It was first published in 1618 as part of Schein's Opella nova, Part 2, No. 27. The piece is written for four voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and is approximately three minutes in length. The motet is divided into two movements. The first movement is a setting of the Angelus prayer, which is traditionally recited at noon and commemorates the Annunciation. The text of the prayer is sung in Latin and is set to a simple, homophonic melody. The second movement is a setting of the Magnificat, which is Mary's song of praise after the Annunciation. The text is also sung in Latin and is set to a more complex, polyphonic texture. The characteristics of Schein's 'O Maria, gebenedeiet bist du unter den Weibern' reflect the style of the early Baroque period. The piece is characterized by its use of imitative counterpoint, which is a technique where each voice enters in succession with the same or similar melody. This creates a sense of unity and coherence throughout the piece. The motet also features a clear harmonic structure, with each voice contributing to the overall harmony. Schein's use of word painting is also notable in this piece. Word painting is a technique where the music reflects the meaning of the text. For example, in the Magnificat section, the word "exaltavit" (exalted) is set to a high, soaring melody, while the word "humiles" (humble) is set to a lower, more subdued melody. Overall, Schein's 'O Maria, gebenedeiet bist du unter den Weibern' is a beautiful and expressive piece of sacred music that reflects the style and techniques of the early Baroque period. Its use of imitative counterpoint, clear harmonic structure, and word painting make it a masterpiece of the genre.

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