Jedem das Seine

Hugo Distler's Jedem das Seine is a secular German partsong for SATB choir. The text, which seems to be folk-inspired, describes a lively dance and the singer's fascination with a girl. As the dance continues, a button falls from her jacket, which the singer catches. A figure named Jegór smiles slyly, implying that while the singer may have the button, the girl and what her jacket covers belong to Jegór. Distler captures the lighthearted yet mischievous tone of the text through his distinctive musical style, characteristic of German art music in the mid-20th century. The piece is a vivid example of how Distler used traditional forms and texts to create modern choral works.