Composer

:

Johann Hermann Schein

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1626

Average_duration

:

3:30

Johann Hermann Schein's 'Warum betrübst du dich, mein Herz' is a sacred vocal composition that belongs to his Opella nova collection. It was composed in the early 17th century and premiered in Leipzig, Germany. The piece is a part of the second part of Opella nova and is the thirtieth movement of the collection. The composition is a four-part motet that is written for soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voices. The text is taken from the Bible, specifically from Psalm 42, and is written in German. The piece is a lamentation that expresses the sorrow and despair of the psalmist. The text is set to a simple and elegant melody that is characterized by its expressive and emotive qualities. The composition is structured in a typical Baroque style, with a clear division between the different sections of the piece. The opening section is characterized by a slow and mournful tempo, with the voices singing in unison. The second section features a more complex and polyphonic texture, with the voices weaving in and out of each other. The third section is a return to the opening material, with the voices once again singing in unison. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which adds to the emotional intensity of the composition. The harmonies are often unexpected and surprising, creating a sense of tension and release. The vocal lines are also highly expressive, with the singers using a range of dynamics and articulations to convey the meaning of the text. Overall, 'Warum betrübst du dich, mein Herz' is a beautiful and moving composition that showcases Schein's skill as a composer. Its expressive qualities and emotive power make it a timeless piece of music that continues to be performed and appreciated today.

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