Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1639

Average_duration

:

1:55

Heinrich Schütz's 'Meister, wir haben die ganze Nacht gearbeitet' (Op. 9/12, SWV 317) is a sacred vocal work composed in the early 17th century. The piece was likely composed in 1619, during Schütz's time as Kapellmeister at the court of Elector Johann Georg I in Dresden. The work is written for five voices (SSATB) and is structured in three movements. The first movement is a lively and energetic setting of the text "Meister, wir haben die ganze Nacht gearbeitet" ("Master, we have worked the whole night through"), which is taken from the Gospel of Luke (5:5). The music is characterized by its rhythmic drive and lively counterpoint, with each voice contributing to the overall texture. The second movement is a more contemplative setting of the text "Aber auf dein Wort" ("But at your word"), which is also taken from the Gospel of Luke (5:5). The music is marked by its expressive harmonies and gentle, flowing melodies, which convey a sense of peace and serenity. The final movement returns to the lively and energetic character of the first, with the voices coming together in a joyful and celebratory setting of the text "Und siehe, es geschah ein Wunder" ("And behold, a miracle happened"). The music is marked by its exuberant rhythms and lively counterpoint, with each voice contributing to the overall sense of joy and celebration. Overall, 'Meister, wir haben die ganze Nacht gearbeitet' is a masterful example of Schütz's skill as a composer of sacred vocal music. The work showcases his ability to create music that is both expressive and technically demanding, while also conveying a sense of joy and celebration.

More....