Composer

:

Johann Michael Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Average_duration

:

3:04

Johann Michael Bach's 'Motet in five voices Unser Leben währet siebenzig Jahr' is a choral work that was composed in the early 18th century. The piece was premiered in Arnstadt, Germany, where Bach was the town's organist and court musician. The motet is divided into five movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement is a chorale setting of the hymn 'Unser Leben währet siebenzig Jahr' (Our life lasts seventy years), which is based on Psalm 90. The movement is characterized by its simple, homophonic texture, with the voices singing in unison or in simple harmonies. The melody is presented in the soprano voice, with the other voices providing a supportive harmonic backdrop. The second movement is a fugue, which is characterized by its contrapuntal texture and imitative entries of the voices. The subject of the fugue is based on the opening phrase of the chorale melody, and the movement builds in intensity as the voices enter one by one. The third movement is a duet for soprano and alto voices, which is characterized by its lyrical melody and expressive harmonies. The text of the duet speaks of the brevity of life and the need to prepare for death, and the music reflects this sentiment with its poignant and introspective character. The fourth movement is a trio for alto, tenor, and bass voices, which is characterized by its lively and dance-like character. The text of the trio speaks of the joys of life and the need to enjoy them while they last, and the music reflects this sentiment with its energetic and upbeat character. The final movement is a chorale setting of the hymn 'Herr, lehre doch mich' (Lord, teach me), which is based on Psalm 39. The movement is characterized by its simple, homophonic texture, with the voices singing in unison or in simple harmonies. The melody is presented in the soprano voice, with the other voices providing a supportive harmonic backdrop. Overall, Johann Michael Bach's 'Motet in five voices Unser Leben währet siebenzig Jahr' is a beautiful and expressive choral work that reflects on the brevity of life and the need to prepare for death. The piece is characterized by its simple yet expressive melodies, its contrapuntal textures, and its poignant and introspective character.

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