Composer

:

Dietrich Buxtehude

Genre

:

Vocal

Average_duration

:

11:06

"Ich habe Lust abzuscheiden" is a sacred vocal work composed by Dietrich Buxtehude, a Danish-German composer and organist of the Baroque era. The piece is also known as BuxWV 46, and it was later revised as BuxWV 47. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the late 17th century. The work consists of a single movement, which is a chorale fantasia for four voices and basso continuo. The piece is based on the hymn "Ich habe Lust abzuscheiden" by Johann Rist, which is a meditation on death and the afterlife. Buxtehude's setting of the hymn is characterized by its expressive harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and virtuosic vocal writing. The work begins with a solemn introduction in the basso continuo, which sets the mood for the contemplative text. The four voices then enter one by one, each singing a variation of the hymn melody. The vocal lines are highly ornamented and require skilled singers to execute the intricate runs and trills. Throughout the piece, Buxtehude employs a variety of musical techniques to convey the text's themes of death and eternal life. The harmonies shift between major and minor modes, creating a sense of tension and release. The vocal lines frequently overlap and intertwine, symbolizing the interconnectedness of life and death. "Ich habe Lust abzuscheiden" was likely premiered in a church setting, as Buxtehude was primarily known for his sacred music. The piece remains a popular work in the Baroque choral repertoire and is often performed in concerts and church services.

More....