Musikalische Exequien Explained

German: Musikalische Exequien
Composer:Heinrich Schütz
Type:Funeral music
Catalogue:SWV 279–281
Opus:7
Dedication:Henry II, Count of Reuss-Gera
Text:compiled by Henry II, Count of Reuss-Gera
Language:German
Composed:1535 or 1536
Premiere Location:Johanniskirche, Gera
Published:1636 in Dresden
Scoring:soloists, choir, continuo

German: Musikalische Exequien, Op. 7, SWV 279–281, is a sacred funeral music that Heinrich Schütz wrote in 1635 or 1636 for the funeral services of Count Henry II, Count of Reuss-Gera, who had died on 3 December 1635. It is Schütz's most famous work of funeral music.[1] The work was first performed on in the Johanniskirche in Gera.[2]

It comprises three sections:

Henry II had planned the service himself and chose the texts, some of which are scriptural and others of which are from 16th-century Lutheran writers, including Martin Luther himself. He commissioned Schütz to compose the music on the occasion of his death.

Part I, by far the longest part of the work, is scored for SSATTB (2 sopranos, alto, 2 tenors, bass) chorus alternating with small ensembles of soloists. Part II is scored for double choir SATB SATB, and Part III is written for SATTB choir and a trio of soloists. All movements are accompanied by basso continuo.

The work was known to Brahms, as it is thought that he owned a copy of the score;[3] his German Requiem is remarkably similar in content.

The work was the first requiem in the German language.[4]

Recordings

There have been many recordings, making the Exequien the most recorded work of 17th-century German vocal music, including:

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Haar, James. James Haar. European Music, 1520–1640. 365. Boydell & Brewer Ltd. 2014. 978-1843838944.
  2. http://heinrich-schuetz-haus.de/exponate/exponat_oktober_2004.php "Sarkophag von Heinrich Posthumus Reuß"
  3. Web site: nicotano . 2021-10-05 . Heinrich Schütz – Musikalische Exequien . 2023-04-20 . diesis&bemolle . it-IT.
  4. Encyclopedia: Heinrich Schütz. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Heinrich-Schutz. 5 July 2024.

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