Composer

:

Johann Pachelbel

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

before Apr 1706

Publication Date

:

1966

Average_duration

:

3:10

Johann Pachelbel's "Exsurgat Deus, T. 354" is a sacred vocal work composed in the Baroque era. The piece was likely composed in the early 1680s, during Pachelbel's time as organist at the Predigerkirche in Erfurt, Germany. The work is scored for four-part choir, two violins, viola, and continuo. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is a lively and energetic setting of Psalm 67, "Exsurgat Deus, et dissipentur inimici eius" ("Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered"). The choir and instruments alternate in a joyful and celebratory dialogue, with the violins and viola providing virtuosic flourishes. The second movement is a more contemplative setting of Psalm 66, "Deus misereatur nostri" ("God be merciful unto us"). The choir sings in a homophonic texture, with the violins and viola providing gentle accompaniment. The movement ends with a brief instrumental postlude. The final movement returns to the joyful mood of the first, with a setting of Psalm 68, "Exsurgat Deus, et dissipentur inimici eius" ("Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered"). The choir and instruments engage in a lively and intricate dialogue, with the violins and viola once again providing virtuosic flourishes. Overall, "Exsurgat Deus, T. 354" is a typical example of Pachelbel's sacred vocal music, characterized by its lively rhythms, virtuosic instrumental writing, and joyful mood. The piece was likely premiered in Erfurt during Pachelbel's time as organist at the Predigerkirche, and has since become a staple of the Baroque choral repertoire.

More....