Composer

:

Dietrich Buxtehude

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1680

Average_duration

:

58:33

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Dietrich Buxtehude's 'Membra Jesu Nostri' is a cycle of seven cantatas, each dedicated to a different part of Christ's crucified body. The work was composed in 1680 and premiered in Lübeck, Germany. The seven movements are titled Ad Pedes, Ad Genua, Ad Manus, Ad Latus, Ad Pectus, Ad Cor, and Ad Faciem, which translate to "To the Feet," "To the Knees," "To the Hands," "To the Side," "To the Chest," "To the Heart," and "To the Face," respectively. The cantatas are written for five solo voices (SSATB), two violins, viola da gamba, and continuo. Each movement is structured as a series of arias and recitatives, with the text taken from medieval Latin hymns and poems. The music is characterized by its expressive and emotional qualities, with Buxtehude using dissonance and chromaticism to convey the pain and suffering of Christ's crucifixion. The first movement, Ad Pedes, begins with a mournful aria for the bass soloist, accompanied by the violins and continuo. The second movement, Ad Genua, features a duet for the alto and tenor soloists, with the viola da gamba providing a mournful counterpoint. Ad Manus, the third movement, is a lively and rhythmic aria for the soprano soloist, accompanied by the violins and continuo. Ad Latus, the fourth movement, is a somber and introspective aria for the bass soloist, with the viola da gamba providing a mournful counterpoint. Ad Pectus, the fifth movement, is a duet for the alto and tenor soloists, with the violins and continuo providing a gentle and flowing accompaniment. Ad Cor, the sixth movement, is a powerful and emotional aria for the soprano soloist, with the violins and continuo providing a dramatic and intense accompaniment. The final movement, Ad Faciem, is a joyful and triumphant aria for all five soloists, with the violins and continuo providing a lively and celebratory accompaniment. Overall, 'Membra Jesu Nostri' is a deeply emotional and expressive work, showcasing Buxtehude's skill as a composer and his ability to convey complex emotions through music. The work has remained popular to this day, and is considered one of Buxtehude's most significant contributions to the Baroque repertoire.

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