Composer

:

Johann Hermann Schein

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Publication Date

:

1618

Average_duration

:

3:17

Johann Hermann Schein's 'Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland' is a sacred motet composed in the early 17th century. The piece is part of Schein's Opella nova, a collection of sacred vocal music published in 1618. The motet is the first piece in Part 1 of the collection and is numbered as No. 1. 'Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland' was composed for four voices, with the text taken from a hymn of the same name by Martin Luther. The piece is in the key of G minor and is written in a homophonic style, with all four voices moving together in harmony. The motet is divided into three sections, with the first and third sections being in G minor and the middle section in G major. The piece opens with a solemn and austere melody in the bass voice, which is then taken up by the other voices in turn. The melody is based on the first line of Luther's hymn, which translates to "Now come, Savior of the heathens". The second section of the motet is more lively and joyful, with the voices singing in a major key and the melody becoming more ornate and complex. The final section returns to the solemnity of the opening, with the voices singing in unison and the melody returning to the G minor key. One of the characteristics of Schein's music is his use of word painting, where the music reflects the meaning of the text. In 'Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland', Schein uses word painting to great effect, with the music becoming more joyful and celebratory in the middle section of the motet, reflecting the text's description of the Savior's arrival bringing joy and light to the world. 'Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland' was first performed in 1618, when Opella nova was published. The piece has since become a staple of the choral repertoire and is often performed during the Advent season. Schein's use of simple yet effective harmonies and his skillful word painting make 'Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland' a timeless and enduring piece of sacred music.

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