Composer

:

Heinrich Scheidemann

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Average_duration

:

3:20

Heinrich Scheidemann was a German composer and organist who lived from 1595 to 1663. He was a prominent figure in the North German organ school, which was a group of composers who wrote for the organ in the 17th century. One of his most famous works is "Betrübet ist zu dieser Frist," which was composed in the early 17th century. "Betrübet ist zu dieser Frist" is a chorale prelude, which means that it is a piece of music that is based on a hymn tune. The hymn tune that Scheidemann used for this piece is "Betrübet ist zu dieser Frist," which is a German hymn that is often sung during the season of Lent. The text of the hymn is about the suffering of Christ and the need for repentance. The piece is divided into four movements, each of which is based on a different verse of the hymn. The first movement is slow and mournful, with a simple melody that is played in the upper voice of the organ. The second movement is faster and more complex, with a more elaborate melody that is played in the lower voice of the organ. The third movement is slower again, with a more somber tone that reflects the text of the hymn. The final movement is faster and more joyful, with a triumphant melody that celebrates the resurrection of Christ. One of the characteristics of Scheidemann's music is his use of chromaticism, which means that he used notes that were outside of the traditional diatonic scale. This gives his music a more complex and sophisticated sound, and it also allows him to create more interesting harmonies and melodies. Another characteristic of his music is his use of counterpoint, which means that he wrote multiple melodies that were played at the same time. This creates a rich and layered sound that is typical of the North German organ school. "Betrübet ist zu dieser Frist" was premiered in the early 17th century, and it has since become one of Scheidemann's most famous works. It is still performed today by organists around the world, and it is considered to be a masterpiece of the North German organ school.

More....