Composer

:

Johann Hermann Schein

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1623

Average_duration

:

2:59

"Ich lasse dich nicht" is a sacred motet composed by Johann Hermann Schein, a German composer of the early Baroque era. The piece is part of his collection of motets called "Israelis Brünlein," which was published in 1623. The premiere of the motet is not known, but it was likely performed in a church setting. The motet is written for four voices, with the text taken from the book of Genesis in the Bible. The piece is divided into three movements, with each movement featuring a different section of the text. The first movement is a setting of Genesis 32:27, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." The second movement sets Genesis 32:28, "And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." The final movement sets Genesis 32:30, "And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." The motet is characterized by its expressive harmonies and use of dissonance. Schein employs a variety of musical techniques to convey the meaning of the text, including word painting and chromaticism. The first movement, for example, features a descending chromatic line in the bass voice to represent Jacob's struggle with the angel. The second movement features a lively, dance-like rhythm to convey the joy of Jacob's victory. The final movement is more contemplative, with a slower tempo and more sustained harmonies. Overall, "Ich lasse dich nicht" is a powerful and expressive motet that showcases Schein's skill as a composer. Its use of text painting and chromaticism make it a standout work of the early Baroque era.

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