Gott hilf mir, denn das Wasser dringt, SWV 166
Staff Notation • Sacred, Hymns
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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Gott hilf mir, denn das Wasser dringt, SWV 166 by Heinrich Schütz — Lyrics
About Gott hilf mir, denn das Wasser dringt, SWV 166
This powerful sacred motet for SATB voices, Gott hilf mir, denn das Wasser dringt, SWV 166, draws on the profound spiritual and emotional depths of Psalm 69. Set in both German and Latin, it captures the anguish of a soul in distress, feeling overwhelmed by troubles like being mired in deep mud or tempest-tossed at sea. The text expresses a plea for divine intervention, a cry for help stemming from an unjust persecution. Schütz masterfully crafts the musical setting to reflect the text's dramatic intensity, with moments of stark dissonance and fervent vocal interplay. The music vividly portrays the struggle and the ultimate hope placed in God's unwavering support, making it a moving reflection on faith amidst adversity.