Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1648

Average_duration

:

2:54

Heinrich Schütz's 'Ich weiß, daß mein Erlöser lebt, SWV 393 (Op. 11/25)' is a sacred vocal work composed in the early 17th century. The piece is based on a biblical text from the book of Job, and it is one of Schütz's most famous compositions. The piece is composed for five voices (SSATB) and is divided into three movements. The first movement is a chorale-like setting of the text, with the voices singing in homophony. The second movement is a duet for soprano and bass, with the soprano singing a virtuosic melody over a simple bass line. The final movement is a fugue, with the voices entering one by one and building to a grand climax. The piece is characterized by Schütz's use of chromaticism and dissonance, which create a sense of tension and drama in the music. The vocal writing is also highly expressive, with the singers conveying the emotional depth of the text through their phrasing and dynamics. 'Ich weiß, daß mein Erlöser lebt' was premiered in Dresden in 1636, and it quickly became one of Schütz's most popular works. The piece has since been performed and recorded by countless ensembles, and it remains a staple of the choral repertoire. Overall, 'Ich weiß, daß mein Erlöser lebt' is a powerful and moving work that showcases Schütz's mastery of vocal composition and his ability to convey deep spiritual themes through music.

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