Composer

:

Michael Praetorius

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:28

'Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr a 12' is a choral composition by Michael Praetorius, a German composer, organist, and music theorist of the late Renaissance era. The piece was composed in 1607 and was included in his collection 'Musae Sioniae II'. The composition is a chorale fantasia, which is a type of composition that uses a chorale melody as the basis for a complex polyphonic structure. The premiere of 'Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr a 12' is not known, but it was likely performed in a church setting. The piece consists of four movements, each of which is based on a different verse of the hymn 'Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr', which translates to 'To God alone on high be glory'. The first movement is a chorale fantasia on the first verse of the hymn. It begins with a simple statement of the melody in the soprano voice, which is then imitated by the other voices in turn. The piece then develops into a complex polyphonic structure, with each voice weaving in and out of the texture. The second movement is a chorale prelude on the second verse of the hymn. It is a more subdued and introspective piece, with the melody presented in a more straightforward manner. The harmonies are more chromatic and dissonant, creating a sense of tension and release. The third movement is a chorale fugue on the third verse of the hymn. It begins with a statement of the melody in the bass voice, which is then imitated by the other voices in turn. The piece then develops into a complex fugue, with each voice entering in turn and weaving in and out of the texture. The fourth and final movement is a chorale motet on the fourth verse of the hymn. It is a more joyful and celebratory piece, with the melody presented in a more ornamented and embellished manner. The harmonies are more consonant and stable, creating a sense of resolution and closure. Overall, 'Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr a 12' is a complex and sophisticated choral composition that showcases Praetorius' mastery of polyphonic writing. The piece is a testament to the rich musical tradition of the German Renaissance and continues to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences alike.

More....