This edition was prepared by Gerd Eichler — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Die Feind haben mich oft gedrängt, SWV 234
Staff Notation • Sacred, Hymns
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5 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
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Die Feind haben mich oft gedrängt, SWV 234 by Heinrich Schütz — Lyrics
Canticum graduum. Saepe expugnaverunt me a juventute mea, dicat nunc Israël;
saepe expugnaverunt me a juventute mea: etenim non potuerunt mihi.
Supra dorsum meum fabricaverunt peccatores; prolongaverunt iniquitatem suam.
Dominus justus concidit cervices peccatorum.
Confundantur, et convertantur retrorsum omnes qui oderunt Sion.
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About Die Feind haben mich oft gedrängt, SWV 234
Heinrich Schütz's motet Die Feind haben mich oft gedrängt, SWV 234, is a powerful setting for SATB voices. The text, drawn from Psalm 129 (a 'Song of Degrees'), speaks of enduring persecution from youth and the ultimate triumph of righteousness over sin. Schütz's German translation from Latin captures the raw emotion of the psalmist's plea and the certainty of divine justice. This piece would be particularly fitting for services focused on themes of deliverance, steadfastness, or the overcoming of adversity. Its direct, unadorned vocal lines and clear harmonic language make it accessible for choirs seeking to explore the dramatic intensity of Baroque sacred music.
