Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Publication Date

:

1629

Average_duration

:

8:05

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Heinrich Schütz's 'Anima mea liquefacta est' is a sacred work for five voices and basso continuo, composed in 1624. It is part of his collection of sacred works, 'Symphoniae Sacrae', which was published in three volumes between 1629 and 1650. The work is also known as 'Opus 6/7-8' and is catalogued as SWV 263-264. The piece is divided into two movements, each of which is based on a text from the Song of Solomon. The first movement, 'Anima mea liquefacta est', is a setting of the text "My soul melted when my beloved spoke". The second movement, 'Vulnerasti cor meum', is a setting of the text "You have wounded my heart with one glance of your eyes". The first movement is characterized by its expressive and passionate vocal lines, which are supported by a rich and varied basso continuo. The text is set in a highly emotive manner, with the music reflecting the intense emotions of the speaker. The use of chromaticism and dissonance adds to the sense of emotional intensity, while the use of suspensions and resolutions creates a sense of tension and release. The second movement is more restrained in its emotional expression, but no less beautiful. The vocal lines are more lyrical and flowing, with a sense of gentle melancholy pervading the music. The basso continuo provides a delicate and subtle accompaniment, with the use of suspensions and dissonances adding to the sense of emotional depth. Overall, 'Anima mea liquefacta est' is a beautiful and deeply expressive work that showcases Schütz's mastery of the sacred vocal style. Its combination of emotional intensity and lyrical beauty make it a timeless masterpiece of the Baroque era.

More....