Composer

:

Michael Praetorius

Genre

:

Choral

Michael Praetorius was a German composer, organist, and music theorist of the late Renaissance era. He is known for his prolific output of sacred music, including his work "Teutsch Et in terra (II) & continuo ('Allein Gott in der Höh sie Ehr')", which was composed in the early 17th century. The piece is part of Praetorius' larger collection of sacred music, the "Polyhymnia caduceatrix", which contains over 1,200 hymns and chorales. "Teutsch Et in terra (II) & continuo" is a setting of the hymn "Allein Gott in der Höh sie Ehr", which is a German translation of the Gloria in excelsis Deo. The piece is scored for four voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and continuo, and is divided into three movements. The first movement, "Teutsch Et in terra (II)", is a setting of the first verse of the hymn. It begins with a lively instrumental introduction, featuring the continuo and a variety of instruments such as violins, cornets, and trombones. The vocal parts enter one by one, with the soprano leading the way. The music is characterized by its rhythmic energy and lively counterpoint. The second movement, "Allein Gott in der Höh sie Ehr", is a setting of the second verse of the hymn. It is a more subdued and contemplative movement, with the vocal parts singing in homophony (i.e. all singing the same melody at the same time). The continuo provides a gentle accompaniment, with occasional flourishes of ornamentation. The final movement, "Und Friede auf Erden", is a setting of the third verse of the hymn. It is a joyful and celebratory movement, with the vocal parts singing in lively counterpoint. The instrumental parts are once again prominent, with the continuo providing a driving rhythmic pulse. Overall, "Teutsch Et in terra (II) & continuo" is a vibrant and energetic setting of the hymn "Allein Gott in der Höh sie Ehr". Praetorius' use of instrumental color and lively counterpoint make it a memorable and engaging piece of sacred music.

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