Baerenreiter Verlag Die Sieben Worte Jesu Christi am Kreuz SWV 478 - Schutz - Score Die Sieben Worte Jesu Christi am Kreuz SWV 478 - Schutz - Score

Composer: Heinrich Schutz
Editor: Bruno Grusnick
Format: Score, Urtext edition
Instrumentation: Soloists, Mixed choir, Orchestra

Little is known about the genesis of this Passion composition by Heinrich Schutz. The symmetrically structured work is framed by two five-part choral movements in which Schutz sets the first and last verses of the Passion hymn "Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund". These are followed and preceded by a five-part instrumental movement. As was customary in Schutz's time, the instruments are not specified, but string instruments were assumed.
In the intervening movements, the composer unusually entrusted the words of Christ, taken from the New Testament, to a tenor; other figures have been assigned SATB parts so that musically the various speakers are always distinguishable to the audience. These expressive and dramatic movements are composed in a modern style; alongside the basso continuo, the accompaniment consists of two instrumental upper parts, which further enhances the almost arioso sound impression.