Composer

:

George Frederick Handel

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Aria

Compose Date

:

ca. 1724 - 1726

Average_duration

:

5:57

"Meine Seele hört im Sehen" (My soul hears in seeing) is a sacred cantata composed by George Frederick Handel in 1748. The piece was written for the funeral of Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen, who was a patron of Handel's music. The cantata is scored for solo soprano, two violins, viola, and basso continuo. The cantata is divided into three movements. The first movement is a recitative, in which the soprano sings of the soul's ability to hear and see beyond the physical world. The second movement is an aria, in which the soprano sings of the beauty of the afterlife and the joy of being reunited with loved ones who have passed away. The final movement is a chorale, in which the soprano and the ensemble sing of the hope of eternal life and the comfort of God's love. The music of "Meine Seele hört im Sehen" is characterized by its simplicity and elegance. Handel's use of the solo soprano voice and the small ensemble creates an intimate and introspective atmosphere. The music is also notable for its use of chromaticism, which adds a sense of emotional depth and complexity to the piece. "Meine Seele hört im Sehen" premiered at the funeral of Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen on December 22, 1748. The piece was well-received and has since become a beloved work in the sacred music repertoire.

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