Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1650

Average_duration

:

4:35

Heinrich Schütz's 'Siehe, es erscien der Engel des Herren, SWV 403 (Op. 12/6)' is a sacred motet for five voices and basso continuo. It was composed in 1629 and premiered in the court chapel of Dresden on Christmas Day of the same year. The piece is part of Schütz's 'Geistliche Chormusik', a collection of sacred works that he composed during his time as Kapellmeister in Dresden. The motet is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different biblical text. The first movement is a setting of Luke 2:9-11, in which an angel appears to the shepherds and announces the birth of Jesus. The second movement is a setting of Isaiah 9:6-7, which prophesies the coming of a child who will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." The final movement is a setting of John 1:14, which describes the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us. Schütz's setting of these texts is characterized by his use of rich harmonies and expressive dissonances. The opening of the first movement, for example, features a striking dissonance between the alto and tenor voices, which resolves into a lush chord as the angel's message is delivered. The second movement is more contemplative, with a gentle melody in the soprano voice accompanied by a simple bass line. The final movement is the most complex, with overlapping vocal lines and a sense of urgency as the Word becomes flesh. Overall, 'Siehe, es erscien der Engel des Herren' is a powerful and expressive work that showcases Schütz's mastery of sacred music. Its use of biblical texts and rich harmonies make it a fitting piece for Christmas or other religious celebrations.

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