Composer

:

Johann Hermann Schein

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Publication Date

:

1626

Average_duration

:

4:56

'Uns ist ein Kind geboren' is a sacred vocal work composed by Johann Hermann Schein, a German composer of the early Baroque era. The piece is part of his Opella nova, Part 2, and is the fourth movement of the collection. It was composed in 1627 and premiered in Leipzig, Germany. The piece is a Christmas motet, and the text is taken from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, verses 10-11. The text speaks of the birth of Jesus and the joy that his arrival brings to the world. Schein's setting of the text is in the form of a chorale motet, with the text sung by a choir in four parts. The piece begins with a lively instrumental introduction, featuring a fanfare-like motif played by the brass instruments. The choir then enters, singing the first verse of the text in unison. The second verse is sung by the choir in four parts, with each part entering one after the other. The third verse is sung by the choir in a homophonic texture, with all four parts singing the same melody at the same time. The fourth verse features a solo soprano voice, singing a florid melody over a simple accompaniment. The fifth verse is sung by the choir in a polyphonic texture, with each part singing a different melody at the same time. The final verse is sung by the choir in a homophonic texture, with all four parts singing the same melody at the same time. The piece is characterized by its joyful and celebratory tone, reflecting the text's message of the birth of Jesus and the joy that it brings. The use of brass instruments in the instrumental introduction adds to the festive atmosphere of the piece. The use of different textures throughout the piece, including homophonic and polyphonic textures, adds variety and interest to the music. Overall, 'Uns ist ein Kind geboren' is a beautiful and uplifting piece of music, reflecting the joy and wonder of the Christmas season.

More....