Motet notes - Schütz

Early in the 20th century a remarkable cache of Schütz works was found in the university library in Uppsala Sweden. Most of the works were from the composer's first great maturity in the 1620's. Our Magnificat setting for four soloists, two four voice choruses, two violins, three trombones and continuo is perhaps the greatest work in that collection. The work reflects Schütz' recent studies in Italy and is particularly influenced by Monteverdi's Magnificat setting in the 1610 Vespers. While the text is divided into sections like the Monteverdi, it is more continuous and structurally unified. The marvelous "Venetian" harmony gives the work an exotic tinge and the mastery of both the brass and the polychoral writing show the influence of Schütz' teacher Giovanni Gabrieli.