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Musikalische Exequien (Funeral music), Op. 7, SWV 279–281 is a sacred composition by Heinrich Schütz; it was written in c. 1635/36, for the funeral services of Count Henry II, Count of Reuss-Gera, who had died on 3 December 1635. It comprises the following sections:
I Concert in Form einer teutschen Begräbnis-Messe II Motet Herr, wenn ich nur Dich habe III Canticum B.Simeonis Herr, nun lässest du deinen DienerHenry II had planned the service himself and chosen the texts, some of which are scriptural and others of which are from 16th-century Lutheran writers, including Martin Luther himself. He also commissioned Schütz to compose the music on the occasion of his death.
Part I, by far the longest part of the work, is scored for SSATTB (2 sopranos, alto, 2 tenors, bass) chorus alternating with small ensembles of soloists. Part II is scored for double choir SATB SATB, and part III for SATTB choir and a trio of soloists. All movements are accompanied by basso continuo.
The work was not well known to Brahms, though his German Requiem is remarkably similar in content.
The work was the first requiem in the German language.
Recordings
There have been many recordings, making the Exequien the most recorded work of 17th-century German vocal music. Among the recordings: