Composer

:

Dietrich Buxtehude

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

4:40

Dietrich Buxtehude's 'Was mich auf dieser Welt betrübt' (What troubles me in this world) is a sacred vocal work composed for solo bass, two violins, viola da gamba, and continuo. The piece was likely composed in the late 1670s or early 1680s during Buxtehude's tenure as organist at the Marienkirche in Lübeck, Germany. The work is structured in five movements, each of which sets a different biblical text. The first movement is a sinfonia for the instrumental ensemble, featuring a lively and virtuosic violin solo. The second movement sets the text of Psalm 39:5-7, in which the psalmist laments the fleeting nature of human life. The bass soloist sings with a mournful, declamatory style, accompanied by a simple continuo line. The third movement sets the text of Psalm 116:15, which speaks of the preciousness of the death of God's faithful servants. The bass soloist sings with a more lyrical style, accompanied by a gentle, flowing continuo line. The fourth movement sets the text of Psalm 90:12, in which the psalmist prays for wisdom and a heart of understanding. The bass soloist sings with a more introspective style, accompanied by a sparse and contemplative continuo line. The final movement sets the text of Psalm 73:23-24, in which the psalmist expresses his trust in God's guidance and protection. The movement begins with a lively instrumental ritornello, followed by a bass soloist singing with a joyful and confident style, accompanied by a more complex and energetic continuo line. Overall, 'Was mich auf dieser Welt betrübt' is a deeply expressive and introspective work, reflecting Buxtehude's skill in setting sacred texts with sensitivity and nuance. The work showcases Buxtehude's mastery of instrumental writing, particularly in the virtuosic violin solo of the sinfonia and the intricate continuo lines throughout the piece. The work premiered in Lübeck during Buxtehude's lifetime and has since become a beloved piece in the sacred vocal repertoire.

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