Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Publication Date

:

1625

Average_duration

:

3:12

Heinrich Schütz's 'Cantate Domino canticum novem, SWV 81 (Op. 4/29)' is a sacred choral work composed in the early 17th century. The piece is written for eight voices and is divided into nine movements, each of which is based on a different verse from Psalm 149. The work was composed in 1619, during Schütz's time as Kapellmeister at the court of the Elector of Saxony in Dresden. It was first performed in the chapel of the Dresden court on Christmas Day of that year. The first movement of the piece is a lively and joyful setting of the opening verse of Psalm 149, "Sing to the Lord a new song." The second movement, "Let Israel rejoice in him that made him," is a more subdued and contemplative setting, featuring a solo soprano voice. The third movement, "Let them praise his name in the dance," is a lively and rhythmic setting that features a dance-like melody and a prominent role for the choir. The fourth movement, "For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people," is a more introspective setting that features a solo tenor voice. The fifth movement, "Let the saints be joyful in glory," is a triumphant setting that features a soaring melody and a prominent role for the choir. The sixth movement, "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth," is a more subdued setting that features a solo alto voice. The seventh movement, "To execute vengeance upon the heathen," is a dramatic and intense setting that features a driving rhythm and a prominent role for the choir. The eighth movement, "To bind their kings with chains," is a more subdued setting that features a solo bass voice. The final movement, "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord," is a joyful and exuberant setting that brings the piece to a rousing conclusion. Overall, 'Cantate Domino canticum novem' is a masterful example of Schütz's skill as a composer of sacred choral music. The piece features a wide range of musical styles and moods, from joyful and exuberant to introspective and contemplative, and showcases Schütz's ability to create complex and intricate choral textures.

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