Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1657

Average_duration

:

5:25

Heinrich Schütz's 'Ich gläube an einen einigen Gott (Der nicäische Glaube)', SWV 422 (Op. 13/3) is a sacred choral work that was composed in 1665. The piece is based on the Nicene Creed, which is a statement of Christian faith that was formulated at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. The work is written for four-part choir and is divided into six movements. The first movement, 'Ich gläube an einen einigen Gott' (I believe in one God), is a setting of the opening lines of the Nicene Creed. The music is solemn and majestic, with the choir singing in unison to emphasize the unity of the faith. The second movement, 'Allmächtigen Vater' (Almighty Father), is a setting of the next section of the Creed, which affirms the belief in God as the creator of all things. The music is more lively and energetic than the first movement, with the choir singing in harmony to express the diversity of creation. The third movement, 'Und an Jesum Christum' (And in Jesus Christ), is a setting of the section of the Creed that affirms the belief in Jesus as the Son of God and the savior of humanity. The music is more contemplative than the previous movement, with the choir singing in a more subdued manner to reflect the solemnity of the subject matter. The fourth movement, 'Der für uns Menschen' (Who for us men), is a setting of the section of the Creed that affirms the belief in Jesus' death and resurrection. The music is more dramatic than the previous movement, with the choir singing in a more forceful manner to express the power of Christ's sacrifice. The fifth movement, 'Und am heiligen Geist' (And in the Holy Spirit), is a setting of the section of the Creed that affirms the belief in the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity. The music is more ethereal than the previous movement, with the choir singing in a more delicate manner to reflect the mysterious nature of the Holy Spirit. The final movement, 'Ich glaube eine heilige christliche Kirche' (I believe in one holy Christian church), is a setting of the closing lines of the Creed. The music is more triumphant than the previous movement, with the choir singing in a more joyful manner to express the unity and strength of the Christian community. Overall, 'Ich gläube an einen einigen Gott (Der nicäische Glaube)', SWV 422 (Op. 13/3) is a powerful and moving work that expresses the core beliefs of the Christian faith in a profound and meaningful way. Schütz's use of harmony, melody, and rhythm is masterful, and the work remains a testament to his skill as a composer and his deep faith as a Christian.

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