This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Herr, wie lang willt du mein so gar vergessen, SWV 416
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
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Herr, wie lang willt du mein so gar vergessen, SWV 416 by Heinrich Schütz — Lyrics
In finem. Psalmus David. Usquequo, Domine, oblivisceris me in finem? usquequo avertis faciem tuam a me?
quamdiu ponam consilia in anima mea; dolorem in corde meo per diem?
usquequo exaltabitur inimicus meus super me?
Respice, et exaudi me, Domine Deus meus. Illumina oculos meos, ne umquam obdormiam in morte;
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About Herr, wie lang willt du mein so gar vergessen, SWV 416
Heinrich Schütz's motet Herr, wie lang willt du mein so gar vergessen, SWV 416, is a profound setting of a sacred text for SSATTB choir. The work draws from Psalm 13, expressing deep lament and a plea for divine attention. The opening Latin text, 'Usquequo, Domine, oblivisceris me in finem?' (How long, Lord, will you forget me forever?), immediately establishes the tone of anguish and desperation. Schütz masterfully crafts the vocal lines to convey the emotional weight of the lyrics, moving from supplication to a confident expression of hope in God's mercy and salvation. This motet is a powerful example of Baroque sacred music, exploring themes of suffering, faith, and ultimate redemption through its rich contrapuntal texture and dramatic intensity.
