Composer

:

Dietrich Buxtehude

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

8:47

'Herr, ich lasse dich nicht' is a sacred vocal work composed by Dietrich Buxtehude, a Danish-German composer and organist of the Baroque era. The work is classified as a cantata and is based on the biblical story of Jacob wrestling with an angel. It is believed to have been composed in the late 17th century, although the exact date is unknown. The work is divided into six movements, each with its own distinct character and musical style. The first movement is a chorale, in which the choir sings the text "Herr, ich lasse dich nicht" (Lord, I will not let you go) in a simple, homophonic style. The second movement is a duet for soprano and bass, in which the two voices intertwine and imitate each other, reflecting the struggle between Jacob and the angel. The third movement is a recitative for bass, in which the soloist sings the words of the angel, "Lass mich, denn es wird tagen" (Let me go, for the day is breaking). The fourth movement is a trio for soprano, alto, and tenor, in which the three voices weave together in a complex and intricate counterpoint. The fifth movement is a chorale, in which the choir sings the text "Ich halte Jesum fest" (I hold fast to Jesus) in a more elaborate and ornamented style than the first movement. The final movement is a fugue for choir, in which the voices enter one by one, building to a grand climax before resolving in a peaceful and serene conclusion. Overall, 'Herr, ich lasse dich nicht' is a powerful and expressive work that showcases Buxtehude's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the text and its meaning. The work is often performed in churches and concert halls around the world and remains a beloved example of Baroque sacred music.

More....