Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied
Cantata based on Psalm 98 – Urtext
[solos,mix ch,orch] duration: 12′ solos: SATB – choir: SATB – 0.0.0.1 – 2.0.0.0 – timp – str – bc
vocal text: GermanDescription
Kuhnau’s setting of the 98th psalm Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied is a sonorous cantata with the opulent scoring of two trumpets, timpani and a five-part string section. This baroque gem radiates a special brilliance with its virtuoso part writing. The instrumental and vocal groups alternate to aptly portray the rejoicing, singing and music-making to the glory of God sung about in the text. Kuhnau also comes up with effective sound mixes and echo effects, particularly onomatopoetic in the section to verse 7 (“Das Meer brauset”, the sea is roaring).
Like many of Kuhnau’s other works, this cantata in the form of a psalm concerto has only survived in a score from the music library of the Wolfenbüttel cantor Georg Österreich (1664–1735). Kuhnau probably conceived Singet dem Herrn as a repertoire piece for particularly prestigious events such as New Year’s Day or as festive music, for example for one of the organ consecrations for which he was repeatedly asked to perform in smaller or larger towns in the Leipzig area.
PB 5678
score
EAN: 9790004216156
52 pages / 25 x 32 cm / 246 g / stapled
PB 5678D
score
EAN: 9790004823095
54 pages / 25 x 32 cm / digital edition
EB 9329
piano vocal score
EAN: 9790004187937
32 pages / 19 x 27 cm / 108 g / stapled
OB 5678-11
organ
EAN: 9790004355718
12 pages / 25 x 32 cm / 70 g / stapled
OB 5678-15
violin 1
EAN: 9790004355725
4 pages / 25 x 32 cm / 37 g / stapled
OB 5678-16
violin 2
EAN: 9790004355732
4 pages / 25 x 32 cm / 38 g / stapled
OB 5678-19
viola 1
EAN: 9790004355749
4 pages / 25 x 32 cm / 39 g / stapled
OB 5678-20
viola 2
EAN: 9790004355756
4 pages / 25 x 32 cm / 37 g / stapled
OB 5678-26
basso (cello/double bass)
EAN: 9790004355763
8 pages / 25 x 32 cm / 55 g / stapled
OB 5678-30
wind parts
EAN: 9790004355770
16 pages / 25 x 32 cm / 94 g / folder
Description
Description
Kuhnau’s setting of the 98th psalm Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied is a sonorous cantata with the opulent scoring of two trumpets, timpani and a five-part string section. This baroque gem radiates a special brilliance with its virtuoso part writing. The instrumental and vocal groups alternate to aptly portray the rejoicing, singing and music-making to the glory of God sung about in the text. Kuhnau also comes up with effective sound mixes and echo effects, particularly onomatopoetic in the section to verse 7 (“Das Meer brauset”, the sea is roaring).
Like many of Kuhnau’s other works, this cantata in the form of a psalm concerto has only survived in a score from the music library of the Wolfenbüttel cantor Georg Österreich (1664–1735). Kuhnau probably conceived Singet dem Herrn as a repertoire piece for particularly prestigious events such as New Year’s Day or as festive music, for example for one of the organ consecrations for which he was repeatedly asked to perform in smaller or larger towns in the Leipzig area.
Reviews and Testimonials
„Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied zeigt den Komponisten auf der Höhe seine Könnens – als Vermittler zwischen der barocken Klangpracht Schützscher Tradition und der seelischen Ausdruckstiefe, die später bei Bach ihren Höhepunkt erreichen sollte.“
Ludger Stühlmeyer, Kirchenmusik im Erzbistum Bamberg
„Das Werk ist kurz […], vermag jedoch auf engstem Raum enorme Wirkung zu erzielen. Reizvoll sind dabei neben der abwechslungsreich gestalteten Satzfolge die zahlreichen tonmalerischen Effekte, anhand derer Kuhnau eine musikalisch raffinierte Ausdeutung des Textes gelingt.“
Johannes Groß, Musica Sacra
Discography
Audio samples: Opella Musica, camerata lipsiensis, cond. Gregor Meyer (cpo, 2018)