Composer

:

Michael Praetorius

Genre

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1607

Average_duration

:

0:35

"Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland" is a hymn composed by Michael Praetorius in 1609. It is the 51st piece in the fifth volume of his collection "Musae Sioniae." The hymn is based on a medieval Latin hymn "Veni, redemptor gentium" by St. Ambrose. The piece is written for four voices (SATB) and is in the key of G minor. It consists of six movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is a simple and solemn setting of the hymn tune, with the melody in the soprano voice and the other voices providing harmonies. The second movement is a lively and rhythmic setting of the same tune, with the melody in the tenor voice and the other voices providing a rhythmic accompaniment. The third movement is a beautiful and expressive setting of the text "Des Heilands Stimme" (The voice of the Savior), with the melody in the alto voice and the other voices providing a rich harmonic background. The fourth movement is a joyful and energetic setting of the text "Gott Lob, es geht nunmehr zu Ende" (God be praised, it is now coming to an end), with the melody in the bass voice and the other voices providing a lively accompaniment. The fifth movement is a simple and peaceful setting of the text "So geht aus Gottes Herrlichkeit" (Thus goes forth from God's glory), with the melody in the soprano voice and the other voices providing a gentle and serene accompaniment. The final movement is a grand and majestic setting of the hymn tune, with all four voices singing together in harmony. Overall, "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland" is a beautiful and expressive piece of music that showcases Praetorius' skill as a composer. The six movements provide a range of moods and emotions, from solemnity to joyfulness, and the harmonies and melodies are rich and complex. The piece has remained popular to this day and is often performed during the Advent season.

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