Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1639

Average_duration

:

2:46

Heinrich Schütz's 'Wann unsre Augen schlafen ein' is a sacred vocal work that was composed in the early 17th century. The piece is also known as 'Quando se claudunt lumina' and is catalogued as SWV 316 (Op. 9/11). The work was premiered in 1625 and has two versions, one for five voices and one for eight voices. The piece is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements being in the form of a chorale and the second movement being a solo aria. The text of the piece is a German translation of the Latin hymn 'Te lucis ante terminum', which is traditionally sung at Compline, the final service of the day in the Christian liturgy. The first movement is a chorale setting of the first stanza of the hymn. The music is characterized by its simple, homophonic texture, with all voices singing the same melody in unison. The harmonies are mostly diatonic, with occasional chromatic inflections that add a touch of color to the music. The second movement is an aria for alto soloist. The music is more elaborate than the first movement, with a more complex melody and a richer harmonic palette. The text of the aria speaks of the comfort that comes from knowing that God is watching over us as we sleep. The third movement is a chorale setting of the final stanza of the hymn. Like the first movement, it is characterized by its simple, homophonic texture, with all voices singing the same melody in unison. The harmonies are more chromatic than in the first movement, adding a sense of tension and release to the music. Overall, 'Wann unsre Augen schlafen ein' is a beautiful and contemplative work that reflects Schütz's mastery of the sacred vocal genre. Its simple yet expressive melodies and harmonies make it a timeless masterpiece of the early Baroque era.

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