Die sieben Worte Jesu Christi am Kreuz by Heinrich Schütz : an analysis

Although Die sieben Worte Jesu Christi am Kreuz by Heinrich Schütz (1585-1672) is commonly listed as one of his major works, a stylistic analysis of the composition appears to be lacking. The purpose of this study was to analyze Die sieben Worte to discover its treatment of various stylistic elements and their effect upon the coherence of the composition.

Parameters such as harmony, melody, texture, and form were studied. Included was a harmonic analysis to reveal the harmonic vocabulary and its development throughout the work, a melodic study to determine the various melodic ideas and their appropriateness in various settings, a textural examination to trace the use of the five voices, and a structural investigation to perceive the formal organization of the overall composition and the individual movements.

It was found that Schütz gave a primary position to the text in its treatment, yet provided all the necessary musical elements to achieve balance, unity, and variety—an indispensable combination in an aesthetically coherent composition.