Composer

:

Gottfried August Homilius

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

5:01

Gottfried August Homilius was a German composer and church musician of the late Baroque era. He was born in Rosenthal, Saxony, on February 2, 1714, and died in Dresden on June 2, 1785. Homilius was a prolific composer of sacred music, including cantatas, oratorios, and motets. One of his most famous works is the motet "Der Herr ist meine Stärke," HoWV 5.7. "Der Herr ist meine Stärke" was composed in 1765 and premiered in Dresden on the 4th Sunday after Trinity in the same year. The motet is written for four-part choir (SATB) and basso continuo. It consists of three movements: an opening chorus, a recitative, and a closing chorale. The opening chorus is a lively and joyful piece, with a fast tempo and a bright, major key. The choir sings the text "Der Herr ist meine Stärke und mein Lobgesang" (The Lord is my strength and my song of praise), which is taken from Psalm 118:14. The music is characterized by Homilius's skillful use of counterpoint, with each voice part weaving in and out of the texture. The recitative is a solo for bass voice, accompanied by the continuo. The text is taken from Psalm 118:15-16, and the music is more subdued and introspective than the opening chorus. The bass voice sings of the Lord's victory over his enemies and the gates of righteousness that lead to salvation. The closing chorale is a simple and straightforward setting of the hymn "Nun danket alle Gott" (Now thank we all our God), with the choir singing in unison. The music is in a slower tempo and a minor key, providing a contrast to the opening chorus. The text expresses gratitude for God's blessings and protection. Overall, "Der Herr ist meine Stärke" is a typical example of Homilius's sacred music, with its emphasis on counterpoint, clear text setting, and expressive use of harmony and melody. The motet is a testament to Homilius's skill as a composer and his deep faith in God.

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