This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Die Erde trinkt für sich, SWV 438
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
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2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
AT,TB · James Gibb
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Die Erde trinkt für sich, SWV 438 by Heinrich Schütz — Lyrics
Die Erde trinkt für sich, die Bäume trinken Erden,
vom Meere pflegt die Luft auch zugetrunken werden,
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About Die Erde trinkt für sich, SWV 438
The German text paints a vivid scene of nature drinking: the earth drinks itself, trees drink earth, the air drinks the sea, the sun drinks the sea, and the moon drinks the sun. The composer then playfully turns to his friends, asking why they would begrudge him his own drinking. This secular German madrigal for two low voices, ATBB, captures this spirit of earthly bounty and conviviality. Heinrich Schütz, a pivotal figure in German music bridging the Renaissance and Baroque, masterfully sets these words with intricate counterpoint and expressive harmony, typical of the madrigal tradition. It is a charming example of vocal chamber music from the 17th century, celebrating the simple pleasures of life and fellowship.
