Habe deine Lust an dem Herren by Johann Rosenmüller
I've been mulling over which piece to share with you. And I've settled upon a lovely one.
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But before I launch into that: Today's piece is the 275th I've sent out since the first one on March 25, 2020 ('Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier' from Bach's Weihnachtsoratorium), almost exactly two years ago. As Sonoma Bach has increasingly returned to our customary activities, I've become much busier. (Thus the several recent late offerings.) And I'm sure the same can be said for you all. In fact, perhaps our needs for something musical to do and for the consolation that music can bring are not as pressing as they formerly were.
But things don't feel quite normal yet. We have so many worries and concerns--about the war, the climate, the economy, politics, the still-ongoing effects of the pandemic; and I guess I'm just not quite ready to sign off.
I've also gotten a bee in my bonnet (as my mom used to say) about the number 300. I don't know if these projects individually or collectively will have what one might call an afterlife. But whether or no, I think it would be nice to achieve that lofty figure. God knows there are plenty of great pieces remaining! That'd take us through the summer. If things aren't normal (whatever that is) by then, they probably never will be.
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Thus I'm pleased to present number 276 in the series: Johann Rosenmüller's sacred consort song 'Habe deine Lust an dem Herren' ('Take ye delight in the Lord'). It's from a 1648 publication with the tongue-twisting title of 'Kern-Sprüche mehrentheils aus heiliger Schrifft' (Motets, the most part from holy writings'. Rosenmüller (1619-1684), who lived and worked in Leipzig, in Venice, and again back in Germany, provides us with a fascinating setting of Psalm 37, verses 4 and 5.
An opening sinfonia is dominated by a bright sequential motive; this character prove permeates the entire piece, which features the soprano iterating and reiterating brief lines. There is something entrancing and moving about this form, in which each line is repeated almost as a talisman.
The motet is bright and optimistic, calming and uplifting--what could be better for these times?
I am attaching a truly wonderful recording and a score with English translation beneath the music.
Guaranteed to raise your spirits! Why not follow it up by listening to this great five-part sonata by the same composer, from his 1682 collection. It's so joyous and noble by turns. If that doesn't bring a smile to your face, I don't know what will.
I've been mulling over which piece to share with you. And I've settled upon a lovely one.
-----
But before I launch into that: Today's piece is the 275th I've sent out since the first one on March 25, 2020 ('Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier' from Bach's Weihnachtsoratorium), almost exactly two years ago. As Sonoma Bach has increasingly returned to our customary activities, I've become much busier. (Thus the several recent late offerings.) And I'm sure the same can be said for you all. In fact, perhaps our needs for something musical to do and for the consolation that music can bring are not as pressing as they formerly were.
But things don't feel quite normal yet. We have so many worries and concerns--about the war, the climate, the economy, politics, the still-ongoing effects of the pandemic; and I guess I'm just not quite ready to sign off.
I've also gotten a bee in my bonnet (as my mom used to say) about the number 300. I don't know if these projects individually or collectively will have what one might call an afterlife. But whether or no, I think it would be nice to achieve that lofty figure. God knows there are plenty of great pieces remaining! That'd take us through the summer. If things aren't normal (whatever that is) by then, they probably never will be.
-----
Thus I'm pleased to present number 276 in the series: Johann Rosenmüller's sacred consort song 'Habe deine Lust an dem Herren' ('Take ye delight in the Lord'). It's from a 1648 publication with the tongue-twisting title of 'Kern-Sprüche mehrentheils aus heiliger Schrifft' (Motets, the most part from holy writings'. Rosenmüller (1619-1684), who lived and worked in Leipzig, in Venice, and again back in Germany, provides us with a fascinating setting of Psalm 37, verses 4 and 5.
An opening sinfonia is dominated by a bright sequential motive; this character prove permeates the entire piece, which features the soprano iterating and reiterating brief lines. There is something entrancing and moving about this form, in which each line is repeated almost as a talisman.
The motet is bright and optimistic, calming and uplifting--what could be better for these times?
I am attaching a truly wonderful recording and a score with English translation beneath the music.
Guaranteed to raise your spirits! Why not follow it up by listening to this great five-part sonata by the same composer, from his 1682 collection. It's so joyous and noble by turns. If that doesn't bring a smile to your face, I don't know what will.