Composer

:

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

before 1705

Average_duration

:

10:34

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's 'Nisi Dominus' is a sacred vocal work composed in the Baroque era. The piece was composed in the late 1670s and premiered in Salzburg, Austria in 1682. It is a setting of Psalm 127, which begins with the words "Nisi Dominus aedificaverit domum" (Unless the Lord builds the house). The work is divided into nine movements, each of which is based on a different verse of the psalm. The first movement is a duet for alto and tenor, accompanied by a basso continuo. The second movement is a solo for alto, accompanied by a solo violin. The third movement is a duet for alto and tenor, accompanied by two violins and a basso continuo. The fourth movement is a solo for bass, accompanied by a basso continuo. The fifth movement is a duet for alto and tenor, accompanied by two violins and a basso continuo. The sixth movement is a solo for alto, accompanied by a solo violin. The seventh movement is a duet for alto and tenor, accompanied by two violins and a basso continuo. The eighth movement is a solo for bass, accompanied by a basso continuo. The final movement is a duet for alto and tenor, accompanied by two violins and a basso continuo. The characteristics of 'Nisi Dominus' are typical of Baroque sacred music. The vocal lines are highly ornamented, with frequent use of trills, runs, and other embellishments. The instrumental accompaniment is also highly ornamented, with frequent use of virtuosic solo passages for the violin. The harmonies are often complex, with frequent use of chromaticism and dissonance. The overall effect is one of intense emotion and spiritual fervor. In conclusion, 'Nisi Dominus' is a masterpiece of Baroque sacred music, composed by Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber in the late 1670s. The work is divided into nine movements, each of which is based on a different verse of Psalm 127. The vocal and instrumental lines are highly ornamented, with complex harmonies and virtuosic solo passages. The overall effect is one of intense emotion and spiritual fervor.

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