Motet notes - Schütz

Schütz’ Psalm setting "Wo der Herr" is for three vocal soloists, chorus and a small group of strings with continuo.  This is actually his last setting of this text and appeared in 1650 in the third volume of Sacred Symphonies. This psalm has always been associated with wedding ceremonies and has the joyous qualities one would expect with those occasions. The vocal solos are elaborate and quite virtuosic. Notice the wonderful playful lines at the mention of children.