Composer

:

Hans Leo Hassler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Publication Date

:

1596

Average_duration

:

1:57

"Nun fanget an ein guts Liedlein zu singen" is a German choral work composed by Hans Leo Hassler in the late 16th century. The piece was likely composed in the early 1590s, during Hassler's time in Nuremberg. It is a sacred work, with text taken from the Lutheran hymn "Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein." The piece is written for four-part choir, with the melody carried by the soprano line. It is in a simple, homophonic style, with all four parts moving together in block chords. The harmonies are mostly diatonic, with occasional chromaticism for added interest. The tempo is moderate, with a gentle, flowing feel. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement begins with a unison statement of the melody, followed by a four-part setting of the first verse of the hymn. The second movement is a brief interlude, featuring a descending chromatic line in the alto and tenor parts. The final movement returns to the melody, with a four-part setting of the second verse of the hymn. The piece ends with a simple, peaceful cadence. Overall, "Nun fanget an ein guts Liedlein zu singen" is a beautiful example of the simple, yet expressive choral music of the late Renaissance. Its gentle harmonies and flowing melody make it a joy to sing and listen to, and its sacred text adds a spiritual depth to the piece. It remains a beloved work in the choral repertoire to this day.

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