Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

Feb 4, 1636

Publication Date

:

1636

Average_duration

:

26:17

Heinrich Schütz's 'Nacket bin ich vom Mutterleibe kommen' (SWV 279, Op. 7/1) is a sacred vocal work for solo bass, choir, and continuo. It was composed in 1636 and premiered in Dresden, Germany. The work is part of Schütz's 'Geistliche Chormusik' (Sacred Choral Music), a collection of works that he composed during his time as Kapellmeister at the Dresden court. The work is divided into three movements. The first movement is a solo bass aria, in which the singer reflects on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The second movement is a four-part choral setting of the same text, in which the choir echoes the sentiments expressed by the soloist. The final movement is a short, homophonic setting of the text "Herr, ich habe lieb die Stätte deines Hauses" (Lord, I love the habitation of thy house), which serves as a brief prayer of hope and comfort. Schütz's setting of 'Nacket bin ich vom Mutterleibe kommen' is characterized by its simplicity and directness. The music is spare and unadorned, with a focus on the text and its emotional content. The solo bass aria is accompanied by a simple continuo line, which provides a steady foundation for the singer's contemplative musings. The choral setting is similarly straightforward, with the four voices singing in unison or simple harmonies. Despite its simplicity, however, Schütz's setting of 'Nacket bin ich vom Mutterleibe kommen' is deeply affecting. The music captures the solemnity and gravity of the text, and the spareness of the music serves to heighten the emotional impact of the words. The work is a testament to Schütz's skill as a composer of sacred music, and to his ability to create works that are both musically and spiritually profound.

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