About the piece
A Lutheran hymn in four voices in German, homophonic in texture, on the victory of Christ. The edition, 12 measures in 2/2, carries the voices with the old names of cantus, altus, tenor and bassus.
How to prepare it
It is of intermediate level. The ranges are narrow and comfortable (cantus D4–B♭4 (a minor sixth), altus B♭3–G4 (a major sixth), tenor F♯3–D4 (a minor sixth), bassus G2–G3 (an octave)), and the music moves syllable by syllable with the four voices together. So the main work is the tuning of the chords and unity of diction. Rehearse the German spoken in the rhythm of the music and aim for a blend in which the melody is heard well.
When to use it
In this edition it is associated with Eastertide; it works well as a hymn at ecumenical celebrations and in concerts of Lutheran music.