Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Publication Date

:

1648

Average_duration

:

4:42

Heinrich Schütz's 'Auf dem Gebirge, SWV 396 (Op. 11/28)' is a sacred vocal work composed in the early 17th century. The piece was likely composed in the early 1620s, during Schütz's time as Kapellmeister at the court of Elector Johann Georg I in Dresden. The work is scored for four voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and continuo, and is structured in three movements. The first movement is a lively and rhythmic setting of Psalm 121, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills." The second movement is a slower and more contemplative setting of Psalm 130, "Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord." The final movement returns to the lively character of the first, setting Psalm 134, "Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord." Schütz's setting of these psalms is characterized by his use of vivid word-painting and expressive harmonies. In the first movement, the rising and falling melodic lines of the voices evoke the image of looking up to the hills, while the use of syncopation and rhythmic energy convey a sense of joy and exaltation. The second movement, by contrast, is marked by its use of suspensions and dissonances, which create a sense of tension and longing in the text. The final movement returns to the joyful character of the first, with lively rhythms and a sense of celebration. Overall, 'Auf dem Gebirge' is a masterful example of Schütz's skill in setting sacred texts to music. Its expressive harmonies and vivid word-painting make it a powerful and moving work, and it remains a beloved piece in the choral repertoire to this day.

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