MENDELSSOHN’S ‘RICHTE MICH, GOTT’
18 May 2022
JOE TWIST’S ‘JUBILATE DEO’
20 May 2022
HAMMERSCHMIDT'S 'FREUET EUCH, IHR CHRISTEN ALLE'
Hammerschmidt (1611 – 1675)
Andreas Hammerschdmidt is not very famous today but he was one of the most significant and popular composers of sacred music in Germany in the middle 17th century. This work is a motet for the Christmas season, and is easily one of Hammerschmidt's most well-known pieces today.
Hammerschdmidt was born at Brüx, a small Protestant community in Bohemia. Brüx now forms part of the modern-day Czech Republic, and is generally now known as Most. After the region of Bohemia turned Catholic during the Thirty Years' War, Hammerschdmidt's family had to flee Bohemia and they settled in Freiberg in the Saxony region of Germany. It is in Freiberg that a young Andreas likely commenced his musical education.
Hammerschmidt wrote in the genres of the motet, concerto and aria, and almost all of his output is sacred vocal music. Despite being relatively unknown to modern audiences, some 400 works by Hammerschmidt have survived to this day and he is widely considered as part the second generation of composers (following the great Heinrich Schütz) who crafted a distinctly German approach to musical forms and styles that came from Italy.
Curiously, although Hammerschmidt also worked as an organist for the majority of his life, no keyboard music of his has been re-discovered so far.
In a word, it is extremely exciting! As Hammerschmidt's music and compositional style led to the development of the later German church cantata, it provides an interesting counterpoint to and historical context for the music of another great German composer, Johann Sebastian Bach (whose music we are also performing as part of our 'Sing Joyfully' concerts). Our singers have enjoyed putting this piece together and singing in German very much.
The opening of the motet 'Freuet euch, ihr Christen alle' by Andreas Hammerschmidt Source: Choral Public Domain Library.
What am I listening for?
This work features a refrain sung by the chorus, which alternates with a trio of soloists - two tenors and a bass. Sometimes they sing together, and sometimes they operate separately, but the chorus often imitates the soloists. At one point the textures pile up to create a very exciting atmosphere of "duelling" that's almost battle-like. As it's name suggests, the continuo organ plays throughout and underpins the whole texture.
The tone of this piece is simply ecstatic and there are a lot of 'Hallelujas!' in both the opening section and at the end. Take a moment to look over the German text and English translation below, and you can also listen to a great recording of this piece before either of our ‘Sing Joyfully’ concerts below.
Alleluja!
Freuet euch, ihr Christen alle,Freue sich, wer immer kann;
Gott hat viel an uns getan.
Freuet euch mit grossen Schalle,
Das er uns so hoch eracht,
Sich mit uns befreundt gemacht.
Freude, Freude über Freude:
Christus wehret allem Leide;
Wonne, Wonne über Wonne:
Christus ist die Gnadensonne.
Siehe, siehe, meine Seele, Freude, Freude...
wie dein Heiland kommt zu dir,
brennt in Liebe für und für,
dass er in der Krippe Höhle
harte lieget dir zugut,
dich zu lösen durch sein Blut.
Jesu, wie soll ich dir danken? Freude, Freude...
Ich bekenne, dass von dir
meine Seligkeit herrühr.
O lass mich von dir nicht wanken,
nimm mich dir zu eigen hin,
so empfindet Herz und Sinn.
Jesu, nimm dich deiner Glieder Freude, Freude...
Ferner in Genaden an!
Schenke, was man bitten kann,
Zu erquicken deine Brüder;
Gib der ganzen Christenschar
Frieden und ein selʼges Jahr.
Hallelujah!
Rejoice, all you Christians, Joy, upon joy!
rejoice, all those who can,
God has done a great deal for us.
Rejoice greatly with great noise,
that He has valued us so highly,
that He with us has made friendship.
Christ protects from all suffering.
Delight, upon delight!
He is the Son of mercy.
See now, my soul, Joy, upon joy...
how your Saviour comes to you,
burns in everlasting love,
so that in the cavern of the manger
lies in hardship for your good,
to redeem you through His blood.
Jesus, how shall I thank thee? Joy, upon joy...
I know well that from You
my happiness is due.
In my devotion to You may I never falter,
take me for Your own,
and my heart and mind will feel...
Jesus, take care of Your flock Joy, upon joy...
for the future in Your mercy!
Grant, what can be asked for,
to renew to Your brothers.
Grant to the entire Christian flock
peace and a blessed year.
Sing Joyfully Concert Details
Saturday 19th August at Sacred Heart Cathedral Bendigo | Sunday 20th August at St. Patrick's Cathedral Melbourne
Also live-streamed on the Australian Digital Concert Hall platform. World-wide digital access, including 72-hour delayed viewing.
To learn more about the exciting concerts and events planned for 2023,
please see
www.australianboyschoir.com.au/concerts
Members of the Australian Boys Choir and The Vocal Consort onstage at Melbourne Recital Centre with Artistic Director Nicholas Dinopoulos, December 2022. Photo by Jane Kupsch.
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