Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Song

Publication Date

:

1671

Average_duration

:

6:36

Ich hasse die Flattergeister (Psalm 119: Samech & Aiin), SWV 489 is a sacred vocal work composed by Heinrich Schütz. The piece was composed in the early 17th century and premiered in Dresden, Germany. The work is part of Schütz's larger collection of sacred vocal works, which were composed for use in Lutheran church services. The piece is divided into two movements, each of which is based on a section of Psalm 119. The first movement, based on the Samech section of the psalm, is a lamentation in which the speaker expresses his hatred for the "flitting spirits" that distract him from his devotion to God. The second movement, based on the Aiin section of the psalm, is a prayer for God's help in overcoming these distractions and staying focused on his divine purpose. The music of Ich hasse die Flattergeister is characterized by Schütz's use of polyphonic textures and expressive harmonies. The first movement features a mournful melody that is passed between the different vocal parts, creating a sense of longing and despair. The second movement, by contrast, is more hopeful and uplifting, with a soaring melody that is supported by rich harmonies. Overall, Ich hasse die Flattergeister is a powerful expression of the struggle to maintain faith in the face of worldly distractions. Schütz's masterful use of vocal textures and harmonies creates a sense of emotional depth and intensity that is characteristic of his larger body of work.

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