This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Die Himmel erzählen die Ehre Gottes, SWV 455
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
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Die Himmel erzählen die Ehre Gottes, SWV 455 by Heinrich Schütz — Lyrics
In finem. Psalmus David.
Caeli enarrant gloriam Dei, et opera manuum ejus annuntiat firmamentum.
Dies diei eructat verbum, et nox nocti indicat scientiam.
Non sunt loquelae, neque sermones, quorum non audiantur voces eorum.
In omnem terram exivit sonus eorum, et in fines orbis terrae verba eorum.
In sole posuit tabernaculum suum; et ipse tamquam sponsus procedens de thalamo suo.
Exsultavit ut gigas ad currendam viam;
a summo caelo egressio ejus. Et occursus ejus usque ad summum ejus;
nec est qui se abscondat a calore ejus.
Lex Domini immaculata, convertens animas; testimonium Domini fidele,
sapientiam praestans parvulis.
Justitiae Domini rectae, laetificantes corda; praeceptum Domini lucidum,
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About Die Himmel erzählen die Ehre Gottes, SWV 455
Heinrich Schütz's motet Die Himmel erzählen die Ehre Gottes, SWV 455, is a magnificent setting for SSATTB choir. The text, drawn from Psalm 19, speaks eloquently of the heavens declaring God's glory and the wonders of creation. Schütz masterfully conveys the grandeur of this biblical text, with the vocal lines interweaving to create a rich and powerful sound. The piece moves from the cosmic scope of the heavens to the spiritual illumination of God's law, reflecting on its ability to convert souls and bring joy to the heart. This motet is a profound example of sacred Baroque polyphony, showcasing the composer's deep understanding of both text and vocal writing. It is a work that demands expressive interpretation and rewards the listener with its profound spiritual message and musical beauty.
