Motet notes - Schütz

Schütz does not set chorale melodies very often.  They certainly do not dominate his work as they do in Bach.  The chorale melody "Ich ruf zu dir" is a long one. It is also somewhat lacking in a distinct profile.  Schütz is clearly interested in the melancholy minor mode of the work and the many vivid verbal possibilities.  In the "Kleine Geistliche Konzert" that we perform this morning, the three sopranos intertwine around the tune with the bass voice providing a sturdy and granite bottom to the texture.