Composer

:

Dietrich Buxtehude

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

6:25

'Herr, nun lässt du deinen Diener' (Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart) is a sacred cantata composed by the German-Danish composer, Dietrich Buxtehude. The piece is also known as BuxWV 37, and it is one of the most famous works of Buxtehude. The cantata is based on the text of the Nunc Dimittis, which is a canticle from the Gospel of Luke, and it is traditionally sung during the evening prayer service. Buxtehude composed 'Herr, nun lässt du deinen Diener' in the mid-17th century, during his tenure as the organist at the Marienkirche in Lübeck, Germany. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written between 1660 and 1670. The piece was likely composed for use in the evening prayer service at the Marienkirche. The cantata is divided into four movements, each of which is based on a different section of the Nunc Dimittis. The first movement is a solo aria for bass, which begins with the words "Herr, nun lässt du deinen Diener in Frieden fahren" (Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace). The second movement is a duet for soprano and alto, which begins with the words "Denn meine Augen haben deinen Heiland gesehen" (For mine eyes have seen thy salvation). The third movement is a solo aria for tenor, which begins with the words "Ein Licht zu erleuchten die Heiden" (A light to lighten the Gentiles). The final movement is a four-part chorale, which begins with the words "Herr, nun lässt du deinen Diener in Frieden fahren" (Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace). The characteristics of 'Herr, nun lässt du deinen Diener' are typical of Buxtehude's style. The piece is characterized by its expressive melodies, rich harmonies, and intricate counterpoint. The use of solo voices and duets, as well as the four-part chorale, creates a sense of variety and contrast throughout the piece. The cantata is also notable for its use of word painting, which is the musical representation of the text. For example, the tenor aria features a descending melody on the words "Ein Licht zu erleuchten die Heiden" (A light to lighten the Gentiles), which creates a sense of illumination. 'Herr, nun lässt du deinen Diener' premiered at the Marienkirche in Lübeck, Germany, during the evening prayer service. The piece quickly became popular and was performed throughout Germany and Scandinavia. Today, it is considered one of Buxtehude's most important works and is still performed and recorded by choirs and ensembles around the world.

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