Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1628

Average_duration

:

2:30

Heinrich Schütz's 'Der Herr ist mein getreuer Hirt' (The Lord is my faithful shepherd) is a sacred composition for choir and basso continuo. It was composed in 1619 and premiered in Dresden, Germany. The piece is part of Schütz's 'Symphoniae Sacrae', a collection of sacred works that he composed during his time as the court composer for the Elector of Saxony. The composition is divided into three movements. The first movement is a setting of Psalm 23, which begins with the famous line "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." The choir sings the text in a homophonic style, with the basso continuo providing a simple harmonic accompaniment. The second movement is a solo for bass voice, which is a setting of Psalm 116:7. The text speaks of the Lord's mercy and protection, and the music is characterized by a gentle, flowing melody. The final movement is a setting of Psalm 31:5, which speaks of the Lord's faithfulness and protection. The choir sings the text in a polyphonic style, with each voice part weaving in and out of the texture. Schütz's 'Der Herr ist mein getreuer Hirt' is characterized by its simplicity and directness. The composer's use of homophonic and polyphonic textures, along with his simple harmonic language, creates a sense of clarity and transparency in the music. The piece is also notable for its use of word painting, where the music reflects the meaning of the text. For example, in the first movement, the choir sings the word "still" in a quiet, peaceful manner, reflecting the calmness of the shepherd's presence. Overall, Schütz's 'Der Herr ist mein getreuer Hirt' is a beautiful and moving sacred composition that reflects the composer's deep faith and devotion. Its timeless message of trust in the Lord's protection and guidance continues to resonate with listeners today.

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