Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied

Description

Kuhnau’s setting of the 98th psalm Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied is a sonorous cantata with the opulent scoring of two trumpets, timpani and a five-part string section. This baroque gem radiates a special brilliance with its virtuoso part writing. The instrumental and vocal groups alternate to aptly portray the rejoicing, singing and music-making to the glory of God sung about in the text. Kuhnau also comes up with effective sound mixes and echo effects, particularly onomatopoetic in the section to verse 7 (“Das Meer brauset”, the sea is roaring).

Like many of Kuhnau’s other works, this cantata in the form of a psalm concerto has only survived in a score from the music library of the Wolfenbüttel cantor Georg Österreich (1664–1735). Kuhnau probably conceived Singet dem Herrn as a repertoire piece for particularly prestigious events such as New Year’s Day or as festive music, for example for one of the organ consecrations for which he was repeatedly asked to perform in smaller or larger towns in the Leipzig area.