Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Sinfonia

Publication Date

:

1647

Average_duration

:

6:30

'Was betrübst du dich, SWV 353 (Op. 10/13)' is a sacred vocal work composed by Heinrich Schütz, a German composer of the Baroque era. The piece was composed in 1636 and premiered in the same year in Dresden, Germany. The work is a sacred concerto for two sopranos, bass, and continuo. It is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical style. The first movement is a recitative, in which the two sopranos ask the bass why he is so troubled and why he is weeping. The second movement is an aria, in which the bass responds that he is weeping because he has sinned and is afraid of God's judgment. The final movement is a duet between the two sopranos, in which they offer words of comfort and encouragement to the bass, assuring him that God is merciful and forgiving. The piece is characterized by Schütz's use of expressive harmonies and chromaticism, which create a sense of tension and emotional intensity. The vocal lines are highly ornamented, with frequent use of trills, runs, and other embellishments. The use of two sopranos in the final duet creates a sense of intimacy and tenderness, as they offer words of comfort to the troubled bass. Overall, 'Was betrübst du dich, SWV 353 (Op. 10/13)' is a powerful and emotionally charged work that showcases Schütz's skill as a composer of sacred music. Its themes of sin, repentance, and forgiveness are central to the Lutheran tradition, and the piece remains a beloved part of the choral repertoire to this day.

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