Composer

:

Dietrich Buxtehude

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Cantata

Average_duration

:

7:16

Dietrich Buxtehude's 'Aperite mihi portas justitiae' (Open to me the gates of righteousness) is a sacred vocal work composed for five voices, two violins, two violas, and continuo. The piece was composed in the late 17th century, around 1680, during Buxtehude's tenure as the organist at the Marienkirche in Lübeck, Germany. The work is divided into two movements, with the first movement being a choral setting of Psalm 118:19-20, and the second movement being a duet for soprano and bass, based on Psalm 118:21-22. The first movement begins with a lively instrumental introduction, featuring the violins and violas playing a joyful and celebratory melody. The choir then enters, singing the text "Aperite mihi portas justitiae" in unison, which translates to "Open to me the gates of righteousness." The choir then breaks into four-part harmony, with each voice taking turns singing the text. The movement ends with a repeat of the instrumental introduction, this time with the choir singing a joyful "Alleluia" in unison. The second movement is a duet for soprano and bass, with the violins and violas providing a gentle accompaniment. The text of the duet is based on Psalm 118:21-22, which reads "I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation. The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone." The soprano and bass take turns singing the text, with the soprano singing the first line and the bass responding with the second. The duet is characterized by its gentle and flowing melody, which is reminiscent of a lullaby. Overall, 'Aperite mihi portas justitiae' is a joyful and celebratory work, characterized by its lively instrumental introduction, four-part choral harmonies, and gentle duet. The piece is a testament to Buxtehude's skill as a composer, and his ability to create works that are both musically complex and spiritually uplifting. The work premiered during Buxtehude's tenure at the Marienkirche in Lübeck, and has since become a beloved piece in the sacred choral repertoire.

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