Motet notes - Schütz

Of the many glories of Schütz’ biblical settings, his motets based upon Paul’s Epistles hold a special place. These often difficult, didactic passages would seem to resist musical treatment. In Schütz’ hands they become radiant living statements of faith. The two concerti for four solo voices and continuo ,from his second book of Kleine Geistliche Konzerte, come from the eighth chapter of the epistle to the Romans. Here the four voices intertwine in a most detailed setting of this bedrock passage of Christian faith.