Composer

:

Melchior Franck

Genre

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1621

Average_duration

:

2:56

'Herr, wenn ich nur dich hab' is a sacred vocal composition composed by Melchior Franck, a German composer of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. The piece is part of the 'Florilegii Musici Portensis', a collection of sacred vocal music published in 1608. The composition is written for four voices, with the text taken from Psalm 73:25-26. The piece is characterized by its simple yet expressive melody, which is supported by rich harmonies and subtle counterpoint. The use of chromaticism and dissonance adds to the emotional intensity of the piece, reflecting the text's themes of longing and devotion. The composition is divided into three movements. The first movement is a slow and contemplative setting of the text's opening lines, 'Herr, wenn ich nur dich hab'. The second movement is more lively and rhythmic, with the text 'So frage ich nichts nach Himmel und Erden' set to a dance-like melody. The final movement returns to the contemplative mood of the first, with the text 'Mein Fleisch und mein Herz mag verschmachten' set to a hauntingly beautiful melody. 'Herr, wenn ich nur dich hab' was first performed in 1608, when the 'Florilegii Musici Portensis' was published. The piece quickly became popular among choirs and vocal ensembles, and it remains a beloved example of Franck's sacred vocal music to this day. Overall, 'Herr, wenn ich nur dich hab' is a beautiful and moving composition that showcases Franck's skill as a composer of sacred vocal music. Its expressive melody, rich harmonies, and subtle counterpoint make it a timeless masterpiece of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods.

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