Composer

:

Heinrich Schütz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Song

Publication Date

:

1671

Average_duration

:

4:56

Heinrich Schütz's 'Wohl denen, die ohne Wandel leben (Psalm 119: Aleph & Beth), SWV 482' is a sacred vocal work composed in the early 17th century. The piece was first performed in Dresden in 1636 and is part of Schütz's larger collection of works based on the Psalms. The work is divided into two movements, each based on a section of Psalm 119. The first movement, based on the Aleph section of the Psalm, is a setting of verses 1-8. The second movement, based on the Beth section, is a setting of verses 9-16. The text of the Psalm is a meditation on the importance of following God's law and living a righteous life. Schütz's setting of the text is characterized by its simplicity and clarity. The vocal lines are straightforward and easy to follow, with minimal ornamentation or complex harmonies. The first movement begins with a solo voice singing the opening verses of the Psalm, "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord." The choir then enters, singing a simple four-part harmony that emphasizes the text's message of righteousness and obedience. The second movement begins with a similar solo voice, this time singing the opening verses of the Beth section of the Psalm. The choir then enters, again singing a simple four-part harmony that emphasizes the importance of following God's law. Overall, 'Wohl denen, die ohne Wandel leben (Psalm 119: Aleph & Beth), SWV 482' is a beautiful and straightforward setting of a sacred text. Its simplicity and clarity make it a powerful expression of the Psalm's message of righteousness and obedience.

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