Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1639

Average_duration

:

3:32

Heinrich Schütz's 'O Jesu, nomen dulce' is a sacred vocal work composed in the early 17th century. It is part of his collection of sacred works known as 'Symphoniae Sacrae III', which was published in 1650. The work is scored for five voices (SSATB) and continuo. The premiere of 'O Jesu, nomen dulce' is not known, but it is believed to have been composed during Schütz's time as Kapellmeister at the court of Elector Johann Georg I in Dresden. The work is in three movements, with the text taken from a hymn by Bernard of Clairvaux. The first movement is a lively and joyful setting of the hymn's opening lines, "O Jesu, nomen dulce, / vera spes peccatorum" (O Jesus, sweet name, true hope of sinners). The music is characterized by its rhythmic energy and lively counterpoint, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a joyful dance. The second movement is a more contemplative setting of the hymn's middle section, "Tu nostrum solatium, / tu es medicina vulnerum" (You are our comfort, you are the medicine for our wounds). The music is more subdued and introspective, with the voices singing in a more homophonic style. The final movement returns to the joyful mood of the opening, with the voices singing in a lively and celebratory style. The text, "O Jesu, lux beata, / spes votiva peccatorum" (O Jesus, blessed light, desired hope of sinners), is set to music that is characterized by its rhythmic vitality and joyful counterpoint. Overall, 'O Jesu, nomen dulce' is a beautiful example of Schütz's skill as a composer of sacred music. The work is characterized by its lively rhythms, joyful counterpoint, and beautiful vocal writing, and it remains a beloved piece in the repertoire of sacred choral music.

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