Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1650

Average_duration

:

9:14

Heinrich Schütz's 'Es ging ein Sämann aus zu säen' (There went out a sower to sow) is a sacred concerto for five voices and basso continuo, SWV 408 (Op. 12/11). It was composed in 1650 and premiered in Dresden, Germany. The piece is based on the parable of the sower from the Gospel of Matthew. The concerto is divided into three movements. The first movement is a recitative that sets the scene of the sower going out to sow. The second movement is an aria that describes the different types of soil that the seeds fall on, ranging from rocky ground to fertile soil. The third movement is a chorale that reflects on the meaning of the parable and encourages the listener to be receptive to the word of God. Schütz's use of harmony and counterpoint in this piece is particularly noteworthy. The opening recitative is characterized by a dissonant and chromatic harmony that reflects the uncertainty and unpredictability of the sower's journey. The aria features a lively and rhythmic melody that is accompanied by a complex and intricate basso continuo. The chorale, on the other hand, is characterized by a simple and homophonic texture that emphasizes the importance of the text. Overall, 'Es ging ein Sämann aus zu säen' is a masterful example of Schütz's ability to combine text and music in a way that is both expressive and meaningful. The piece is a testament to his skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the sacred texts that inspired his music.

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