Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Publication Date

:

1639

Average_duration

:

4:06

Ich bin die Auferstehung, SWV 324 (Op. 9/19) is a sacred vocal work composed by Heinrich Schütz, a German composer of the Baroque era. The piece was composed in 1636 and premiered in the same year in Dresden, Germany. It is a setting of the text from the Gospel of John, Chapter 11, verses 25-26, which reads, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." The work is divided into two movements. The first movement is a solo aria for bass voice, accompanied by a continuo of basso continuo instruments such as cello, bassoon, and organ. The second movement is a four-part choral setting of the same text, with the bass soloist joining the choir. The first movement begins with a declamatory statement by the bass soloist, "Ich bin die Auferstehung und das Leben" (I am the resurrection and the life), which is then repeated and developed in a series of melodic and rhythmic variations. The music is characterized by its expressive and dramatic qualities, with the bass soloist conveying a sense of urgency and conviction in his delivery of the text. The second movement is more contemplative in character, with the choir singing in four-part harmony and the bass soloist joining in on the final phrase, "wer an mich glaubet, der wird leben" (whoever believes in me will live). The music is characterized by its rich harmonies and contrapuntal textures, with Schütz using imitative polyphony to create a sense of unity and coherence in the choral setting. Overall, Ich bin die Auferstehung, SWV 324 (Op. 9/19) is a powerful and moving work that reflects Schütz's mastery of the Baroque style and his deep understanding of the spiritual themes that underlie much of his music. Its combination of expressive solo singing and rich choral textures make it a standout work in the composer's oeuvre and a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era.

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