Composer

:

Johann Rosenmüller

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

3:34

Johann Rosenmüller's "Das ist meine Freude" is a sacred vocal work composed in the mid-17th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written during Rosenmüller's time as Kapellmeister at the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice, Italy. The work consists of five movements and is scored for four-part choir and continuo. The premiere of "Das ist meine Freude" is also unknown, but it is likely that it was first performed at the Ospedale della Pietà, where Rosenmüller worked from 1658 to 1668. The work was likely performed during religious services and would have been heard by the young girls who lived at the Ospedale and received musical training there. The first movement of "Das ist meine Freude" is a setting of Psalm 73:28, "Aber mir ist's gut, dass ich mich zu Gott halte" (But it is good for me to draw near to God). The movement begins with a lively instrumental introduction before the choir enters with the text. The music is characterized by its joyful and exuberant tone, reflecting the text's message of finding happiness in God. The second movement is a setting of Psalm 16:5, "Herr, du bist mein Teil und mein Becher" (Lord, you are my portion and my cup). This movement is more introspective and contemplative than the first, with a slower tempo and more complex harmonies. The choir sings in a homophonic texture, with all voices moving together in harmony. The third movement is a setting of Psalm 31:16, "Meine Zeit steht in deinen Händen" (My times are in your hands). This movement is characterized by its flowing, melodic lines and gentle harmonies. The choir sings in a polyphonic texture, with each voice part moving independently of the others. The fourth movement is a setting of Psalm 73:23-24, "Dennoch bleibe ich stets an dir" (Nevertheless, I am continually with you). This movement is the most complex of the five, with intricate counterpoint and frequent changes in tempo and meter. The choir sings in a polyphonic texture, with each voice part weaving in and out of the others. The final movement is a setting of Psalm 73:26, "Mein Fleisch und mein Herz erhebet sich zu Gott" (My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever). This movement is a joyful and triumphant conclusion to the work, with the choir singing in a homophonic texture and the continuo providing a lively accompaniment. Overall, "Das ist meine Freude" is a beautiful and expressive work that showcases Rosenmüller's skill as a composer. The work's joyful and exuberant tone, complex harmonies, and intricate counterpoint make it a masterpiece of Baroque sacred music.

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