Composer

:

Johannes Eccard

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:48

Ein Verräter und ein Suppenfresser is a German choral work composed by Johannes Eccard in the late 16th century. The piece is a part of Eccard's collection of sacred music, which was published in 1597 under the title "Newe deudsche geistliche Gesäng." The premiere of the piece is not known, but it is believed to have been performed in churches and cathedrals throughout Germany during the late Renaissance period. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is a choral setting of the text "Ein Verräter und ein Suppenfresser," which translates to "A traitor and a soup-eater." The text is taken from the Gospel of John and tells the story of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. The music is written in a homophonic style, with all voices singing the same melody at the same time. The harmonies are simple and straightforward, with occasional dissonances to highlight the text. The second movement is a solo setting of the text "O Traurigkeit, o Herzeleid," which translates to "O sadness, O heartache." The text is a lamentation on the suffering of Jesus on the cross. The music is written in a more complex style, with the soloist singing a melody that is accompanied by a simple choral harmony. The melody is full of chromaticism and dissonance, reflecting the emotional intensity of the text. The third movement is a choral setting of the text "O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß," which translates to "O man, bewail thy great sin." The text is a hymn of repentance, calling on sinners to confess their sins and seek forgiveness. The music is written in a polyphonic style, with each voice singing a different melody that weaves together to create a complex and harmonically rich texture. The harmonies are often dissonant, reflecting the tension between sin and redemption. Overall, Ein Verräter und ein Suppenfresser is a powerful and emotionally charged work that reflects the religious and cultural context of the late Renaissance period in Germany. The piece is a testament to Eccard's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both beautiful and meaningful.

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