Composer

:

Franz Tunder

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

8:46

"Da mihi, Domine" is a sacred vocal work composed by Franz Tunder, a German-Danish composer and organist. The piece was composed in the mid-17th century and is believed to have been premiered in the Marienkirche in Lübeck, Germany, where Tunder served as the organist. The work is a sacred motet, which is a type of vocal composition typically set to a Latin text and intended for use in religious services. "Da mihi, Domine" is set to a text from Psalm 39, which translates to "Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am." The piece is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the text. The first movement is a somber and introspective setting of the opening lines of the psalm, in which the singer implores the Lord to reveal the true nature of mortality. The second movement is more lively and features a more complex vocal texture, as the singer reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The final movement is a quiet and contemplative setting of the closing lines of the psalm, in which the singer acknowledges the frailty of human life and the need for divine guidance. One of the most notable characteristics of "Da mihi, Domine" is its use of chromaticism, which was a relatively new technique at the time of its composition. Chromaticism involves the use of notes outside of the traditional diatonic scale, which can create a sense of tension and dissonance in the music. Tunder uses chromaticism to great effect in "Da mihi, Domine," particularly in the second movement, where the vocal lines weave in and out of each other in a complex and intricate pattern. Overall, "Da mihi, Domine" is a powerful and moving work that showcases Tunder's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the religious texts that inspired his music. Its use of chromaticism and complex vocal textures make it a challenging piece for performers, but its emotional depth and spiritual resonance continue to make it a beloved work in the sacred music repertoire.

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