Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Oratorio

Publication Date

:

1664

Average_duration

:

35:07

Movement_count

:

19

Movement ....

Heinrich Schütz's 'Die Geburt unsers Herren Jesu Christi, SWV 435' is a sacred Christmas composition that was composed in the early 17th century. The piece was premiered in Dresden in 1660, and it is considered to be one of Schütz's most significant works. The composition is divided into six movements, each of which depicts a different aspect of the Christmas story. The first movement, 'Hodie Christus natus est,' is a joyful proclamation of the birth of Christ. The second movement, 'Gloria in excelsis Deo,' is a hymn of praise to God, sung by the angels who appeared to the shepherds. The third movement, 'Quem vidistis pastores,' is a dialogue between the shepherds and the angels, in which the shepherds ask where they can find the newborn Christ. The fourth movement, 'Puer natus in Bethlehem,' is a simple and tender lullaby, sung by Mary to her newborn son. The fifth movement, 'Hodie Christus natus est,' is a reprise of the first movement, but with a more subdued and reflective tone. The final movement, 'Magi videntes stellam,' is a triumphant celebration of the arrival of the wise men, who have come to pay homage to the newborn king. Schütz's 'Die Geburt unsers Herren Jesu Christi' is characterized by its simple and direct style, which emphasizes the text and the emotional content of the music. The piece is scored for a small ensemble of voices and instruments, which gives it an intimate and personal quality. The use of polyphony and counterpoint is minimal, and the harmonies are mostly diatonic and straightforward. The result is a work that is both accessible and deeply moving, and which captures the essence of the Christmas story in a way that is both timeless and universal.

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