Composer

:

Johann Hermann Schein

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1623

Average_duration

:

3:52

Johann Hermann Schein's "Wende dich, Herr, und sei mir gnädig" is the sixth movement of his collection "Israelis Brünlein," which was published in 1623. The piece is a sacred motet for four voices, and it is written in the German language. The premiere of "Israelis Brünlein" is not well-documented, but it is believed to have been performed in Leipzig, where Schein was the cantor at the Thomaskirche. The collection consists of 26 sacred songs, each based on a biblical text. "Wende dich, Herr, und sei mir gnädig" is based on Psalm 6:4, which reads, "Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love." The piece is written in a homophonic style, with all four voices moving together in harmony. The melody is simple and chant-like, with a strong emphasis on the text. The piece begins with a plea for God's mercy, with the voices singing in unison. The second section features a more complex texture, with the voices weaving in and out of each other. The third section returns to the simplicity of the opening, with the voices once again singing in unison. One of the most striking characteristics of "Wende dich, Herr, und sei mir gnädig" is its use of dissonance. Schein employs dissonant intervals, such as the tritone, to create tension and express the anguish of the text. However, he resolves these dissonances quickly, creating a sense of release and resolution. Overall, "Wende dich, Herr, und sei mir gnädig" is a beautiful and poignant piece of sacred music. Its simplicity and use of dissonance make it a powerful expression of the human experience of suffering and the need for divine mercy.

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