Composer

:

Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Psalm

Publication Date

:

1613

Average_duration

:

4:25

Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck was a Dutch composer and organist of the late Renaissance period. He was born in Deventer, Netherlands in 1562 and died in Amsterdam in 1621. Sweelinck was one of the most important composers of his time and his music had a significant influence on the development of Baroque music. 'A Dieu ma voix j'ay haussee (Psalm 77)' is a choral work composed by Sweelinck. The piece is based on Psalm 77, which is a lamentation of the psalmist over the troubles of Israel. The text of the psalm is in French and the piece is written for four voices. The composition of 'A Dieu ma voix j'ay haussee (Psalm 77)' is not precisely dated, but it is believed to have been composed in the early 17th century. The piece was first performed in Amsterdam, where Sweelinck was the organist at the Oude Kerk. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is a slow and solemn introduction, in which the choir sings the opening lines of the psalm. The second movement is a lively and rhythmic section, in which the choir sings the main body of the psalm. The third movement is a slow and reflective conclusion, in which the choir sings a prayer for God's mercy. The characteristics of 'A Dieu ma voix j'ay haussee (Psalm 77)' are typical of Sweelinck's style. The piece is characterized by its use of polyphony, in which multiple voices sing different melodies at the same time. The piece also features Sweelinck's use of chromaticism, in which notes outside of the diatonic scale are used to create tension and dissonance. Overall, 'A Dieu ma voix j'ay haussee (Psalm 77)' is a beautiful and expressive choral work that showcases Sweelinck's mastery of polyphony and chromaticism. The piece is a testament to Sweelinck's importance as a composer and his influence on the development of Baroque music.

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