Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Publication Date

:

1650

Average_duration

:

2:49

Heinrich Schütz's 'Saul, Saul, was verfolgst du mich' (SWV 415, Op. 12/18) is a sacred vocal work composed in the early 17th century. The piece is based on the biblical story of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus, as recounted in the book of Acts. It is scored for five voices (SSATB) and continuo. The composition is believed to have been written in 1627, during Schütz's tenure as Kapellmeister at the court of Elector Johann Georg I in Dresden. It was likely premiered at the court chapel, where Schütz was responsible for providing music for religious services. The work is divided into three movements. The first movement begins with a solo tenor voice singing the words "Saul, Saul, was verfolgst du mich?" ("Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"), followed by the full choir entering with a homophonic setting of the same text. The second movement is a duet for alto and tenor voices, with the alto singing the words "Ich bin Jesus, den du verfolgst" ("I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting") and the tenor responding with "Was willst du, Herr?" ("What do you want, Lord?"). The final movement is a four-part setting of the text "Steh auf und geh in die Stadt" ("Get up and go into the city"), which recounts Saul's blindness and subsequent healing. The piece is characterized by Schütz's use of expressive harmonies and vivid word painting. The opening tenor solo is particularly striking, with its descending chromatic line and dissonant harmonies conveying the sense of persecution and turmoil. The duet between the alto and tenor voices is also notable for its use of imitative counterpoint, which underscores the dialogue between Jesus and Saul. Overall, 'Saul, Saul, was verfolgst du mich' is a powerful example of Schütz's skill as a composer of sacred music. Its dramatic intensity and expressive musical language make it a compelling work that continues to resonate with audiences today.

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