Composer

:

Johann Hermann Schein

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Madrigal

Publication Date

:

1623

Average_duration

:

3:38

Johann Hermann Schein's "Drei schöne Ding sind" is a German secular vocal work that was composed in the early 17th century. The piece was first published in 1623 as part of Schein's collection of secular vocal works, "Israelis Brünlein." The premiere of the work is not known, but it is believed to have been performed in Leipzig, where Schein was the cantor at the Thomaskirche. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different text. The first movement, "Drei schöne Ding sind," is a setting of a poem by the German poet Hans Sachs. The text describes three beautiful things: a well-tuned instrument, a virtuous wife, and a good friend. Schein's setting of the text is lively and energetic, with a fast tempo and lively rhythms. The second movement, "Ach, wie nichtig, ach, wie flüchtig," is a setting of a poem by the German poet Simon Dach. The text reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. Schein's setting of the text is more contemplative than the first movement, with a slower tempo and more sustained harmonies. The third movement, "Ich bin ja, Herr, in deiner Macht," is a setting of a text from the Bible (Psalm 31:16). The text expresses trust in God's protection and guidance. Schein's setting of the text is more solemn than the first two movements, with a slower tempo and more somber harmonies. Overall, "Drei schöne Ding sind" is a representative example of the German secular vocal music of the early 17th century. The piece features lively rhythms, expressive harmonies, and a variety of textures and moods. It is a testament to Schein's skill as a composer and his ability to set a wide range of texts to music.

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