Orchestra of the 17th Century: Schütz - Auf dem Gebirge

Heinrich Schütz - Auf dem Gebirge hat man ein Geschrei gehöret, SWV 396 Orchestra of the 17th Century Michael Holmes, music director Soloists: Richard McCready & Jay Wilcox, countertenors (Matthew 2:16-18; and Jeremiah 31:15, according to Christian prophecy) German text: Auf dem Gebirge hat man ein Geschrei gehöret, viel Klagens, Weinens und Heulens; Rahel beweinete ihre Kinder und wollt sich nicht trösten lassen, denn es war aus mit ihnen. English translation: From the mountains a cry has been heard, weeping, crying, and wailing. Rachel mours her children and she will not be comforted for they are no more. The Orchestra of the 17th Century ("O17"), directed by its founder Michael Holmes, is dedicated to the exploration and promotion of music from the century that saw the birth of the modern notion of the "orchestra." Since there was no standardized orchestra for most of the 17th century, each performance by O17 is a unique experience in instrumental color. Its audiences hear groups that feature a variety of wind instruments such as cornetts, sackbuts, curtals, shawms, and recorders, as well as performances that feature the more familiar large string group with continuo. O17 is now in its eighth season of its existence and still striving to produce more unique and fascinating programs otherwise difficult to produce due to the specialized use of period instruments. One of the subsets of O17 is the Washington Cornett and Sackbutt Ensemble, North America's premiere ensemble of its kind. Another subset is the Ensemble Stylus Luxurians. O17 released its first CD recording of Roman and Venetian music in the Fall of 2004, in collaboration with the Choir of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. Note to viewers: The theme of this sacred concerto by Schütz portrays the biblical story (Matthew 2:16-18; and Jeremiah 31:15 according to Christians) in which massive numbers of young children and infants were massacred under King Herod of Judea. Images of suffering Iraqi children that suffer on a daily basis are well known. Also well known are atrocities committed by both terrorists and [unfortunately but true] occupying forces. I have been against the American invasion of Iraq from the start. However, my intention in this video is not to shock anyone, but rather capture Schütz's musical affectation by drawing a parallel between biblical times and today. It is well-known that images of American soldiers here showing their compassion toward Iraqi children are rare in today's media. Normally I might focus more on the atrocities that sicken me to no end. However, Schütz's music has guided me in a different direction here.

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YouTube | July 5, 2008

Tags:. .period. .massive. .focus. .comforted. .aus