Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Publication Date

:

1629

Average_duration

:

8:27

Heinrich Schütz's 'Attendite, popule meus' is a sacred motet for five voices, composed in 1629. It was premiered in the court chapel of Dresden, where Schütz served as the Kapellmeister. The piece is part of his collection of sacred works, 'Symphoniae Sacrae', which was published in 1629 as Opus 6. The motet is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is a solemn and introspective setting of the text "Attendite, popule meus" (Listen, my people), which is taken from the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament. The music is characterized by a slow and steady pulse, with long, sustained notes in the vocal parts. The harmonies are rich and complex, with frequent use of suspensions and dissonances to create a sense of tension and release. The second movement is a lively and joyful setting of the text "Quare tristis es, anima mea" (Why are you sad, my soul), which is taken from the book of Psalms. The music is characterized by a fast and rhythmic pulse, with lively melodic lines in the vocal parts. The harmonies are bright and colorful, with frequent use of major keys and triadic chords to create a sense of joy and celebration. The third movement is a solemn and contemplative setting of the text "Spera in Deo, quoniam adhuc confitebor illi" (Hope in God, for I will yet praise him), which is also taken from the book of Psalms. The music is characterized by a slow and steady pulse, with long, sustained notes in the vocal parts. The harmonies are rich and complex, with frequent use of suspensions and dissonances to create a sense of tension and release. Overall, 'Attendite, popule meus' is a masterful example of Schütz's skill as a composer of sacred music. The piece showcases his ability to create music that is both deeply spiritual and musically sophisticated, with a keen sense of text setting and a mastery of harmony and counterpoint.

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