Composer

:

Johann Heinrich Schmelzer

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:24

Johann Heinrich Schmelzer was a prominent Austrian composer and violinist of the Baroque era. He was born in Scheibbs, Lower Austria, in 1620 and died in Prague in 1680. Schmelzer was a prolific composer, and his works include sonatas, balletti, and sacred music. One of his most famous works is the Laudate Pueri, a sacred vocal work composed in 1667. The Laudate Pueri is a setting of Psalm 112, which is traditionally sung during Vespers. The work is scored for five voices (SSATB) and basso continuo. It is divided into six movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the psalm text. The first movement, "Laudate pueri Dominum," is a joyful and exuberant setting of the opening verse of the psalm. The voices enter one by one, building to a grand choral climax. The second movement, "Sit nomen Domini benedictum," is a more subdued and contemplative setting of the second verse. The voices are accompanied by a gentle continuo line, creating a sense of peacefulness and serenity. The third movement, "A solis ortu usque ad occasum," is a lively and energetic setting of the third verse. The voices are accompanied by a lively continuo line, creating a sense of movement and momentum. The fourth movement, "Excelsus super omnes gentes Dominus," is a majestic and grand setting of the fourth verse. The voices are accompanied by a rich and full continuo line, creating a sense of awe and reverence. The fifth movement, "Qui habitare facit sterilem in domo," is a gentle and tender setting of the fifth verse. The voices are accompanied by a simple and delicate continuo line, creating a sense of intimacy and closeness. The final movement, "Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto," is a triumphant and celebratory setting of the doxology. The voices are accompanied by a grand and majestic continuo line, creating a sense of joy and exultation. Overall, the Laudate Pueri is a masterful example of Baroque sacred music. Schmelzer's use of vocal and instrumental textures, as well as his skillful handling of the psalm text, create a work that is both beautiful and spiritually uplifting. The work premiered in Vienna in 1667 and has since become a beloved part of the Baroque choral repertoire.

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