Composer

:

Michael Praetorius

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

4:47

Jesaia, dem Propheten, das geschah is a sacred vocal work composed by Michael Praetorius in the early 17th century. The piece is based on a text from the Old Testament book of Isaiah, and is written for four voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) with instrumental accompaniment. The work is believed to have been composed around 1610, during Praetorius' tenure as Kapellmeister at the court of Duke Heinrich Julius of Brunswick-Lüneburg. It was likely premiered at the court chapel in Wolfenbüttel, Germany, where Praetorius was responsible for providing music for religious services and courtly events. Jesaia, dem Propheten, das geschah is divided into four movements, each of which corresponds to a different section of the text from Isaiah. The first movement, "Jesaia, dem Propheten, das geschah," is a choral setting of the opening lines of the text, which describe the vision of the prophet Isaiah in the temple. The second movement, "Ich hörte eine Stimme," is a duet for alto and tenor that depicts the voice of God speaking to Isaiah. The third movement, "Weh mir, ich vergehe," is a solo for bass that expresses Isaiah's fear and unworthiness in the presence of God. The final movement, "Siehe, das ist Gottes Lamm," is a choral setting of the closing lines of the text, which prophesy the coming of the Messiah. The music of Jesaia, dem Propheten, das geschah is characterized by Praetorius' skillful use of counterpoint and harmony, as well as his ability to convey the emotional content of the text through the music. The work is also notable for its use of instrumental accompaniment, which includes violins, violas, and continuo instruments such as organ and bassoon. Overall, Jesaia, dem Propheten, das geschah is a powerful and expressive work that showcases Praetorius' mastery of sacred vocal music. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its enduring beauty and significance in the canon of early Baroque music.

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