Composer

:

Johann Hermann Schein

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Madrigal

Publication Date

:

1623

Average_duration

:

3:41

"Freue dich des Weibes deiner Jugend" is a German secular song composed by Johann Hermann Schein in the early 17th century. It is the second piece in his collection of Israeli Brünlein, which was published in 1623. The song is written for four voices and is set in a lively triple meter. The premiere of "Freue dich des Weibes deiner Jugend" is not known, but it was likely performed in the early 17th century in Germany. The song is part of Schein's collection of Israeli Brünlein, which consists of 26 pieces that are based on biblical texts and themes. The song is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements being in the same meter and key, while the second movement is in a different meter and key. The first movement is a lively dance-like section that features imitative polyphony and a playful melody. The second movement is a slower, more contemplative section that features a more homophonic texture and a more introspective melody. The third movement returns to the lively dance-like character of the first movement, with a slightly more complex texture and a more virtuosic melody. The characteristics of "Freue dich des Weibes deiner Jugend" are typical of Schein's style, which is characterized by a strong sense of rhythm, clear and concise melodies, and a preference for imitative polyphony. The song is also notable for its use of word painting, with the music reflecting the meaning of the text in various ways. For example, the lively dance-like character of the first and third movements reflects the joyful nature of the text, while the slower, more introspective character of the second movement reflects the more contemplative nature of the text. Overall, "Freue dich des Weibes deiner Jugend" is a lively and playful song that showcases Schein's skill as a composer of vocal music. Its inclusion in the Israeli Brünlein collection reflects Schein's interest in biblical themes and his desire to create music that was both entertaining and spiritually uplifting.

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