Composer

:

Matthias Weckmann

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

1663

Average_duration

:

18:59

Matthias Weckmann's "Wie liegt die Stadt so wüste" is a sacred vocal work composed in the mid-17th century. The piece was premiered in 1656 in Hamburg, Germany, where Weckmann served as the organist at the Jacobikirche. The work is divided into four movements, each of which is based on a verse from the biblical book of Lamentations. The text describes the destruction of Jerusalem and the desolation of the city. Weckmann's setting of the text is characterized by its expressive and dramatic use of harmony and texture, as well as its use of chromaticism and dissonance to convey the sense of despair and grief in the text. The first movement, "Wie liegt die Stadt so wüste" (How desolate lies the city), is a somber and mournful setting of the opening verse of Lamentations. The music is characterized by its use of descending chromatic lines and dissonant harmonies, which create a sense of sadness and despair. The second movement, "Siehe, Herr, wie ist es um die Stadt" (See, Lord, how the city lies), is a more hopeful setting of the second verse of Lamentations. The music is characterized by its use of major harmonies and brighter textures, which convey a sense of hope and optimism. The third movement, "Ihr alle, die ihr vorübergeh" (All you who pass by), is a dramatic and intense setting of the third verse of Lamentations. The music is characterized by its use of rapid, virtuosic vocal lines and dissonant harmonies, which convey a sense of urgency and desperation. The final movement, "Laßt uns unser Herz samt den Händen aufheben zu Gott im Himmel" (Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven), is a joyful and celebratory setting of the final verse of Lamentations. The music is characterized by its use of bright, major harmonies and lively rhythms, which convey a sense of thanksgiving and praise. Overall, "Wie liegt die Stadt so wüste" is a powerful and emotionally charged work that showcases Weckmann's skill as a composer and his ability to convey complex emotions through music.

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