Motet notes - Schütz

The most beautiful psalm (Psalm 133) about the end of warfare had a special meaning for Schütz at the end of the terrible Thirty-Years War.  His setting, published two years after the Peace of Westphalia, is a ravishing work for four obbligato instruments and five voice chorus. The delicate tracery of the strings illustrating the honey rolling down Aaron's beard is particularly delightful.