Haus und Güter erbet man von Eltern, SWV 21

This German secular cantata text celebrates the blessings of a virtuous wife, contrasting worldly possessions sought from parents with a godly spouse gifted by the Lord. The composer Heinrich Schütz employs a substantial eight-part choir (SSB.SSAT.TTBB), creating a rich and varied texture to convey the text's message. It speaks of finding a good wife and receiving favour and blessing from God, a sentiment beautifully amplified by the divided choral forces. The work offers a compelling opportunity for choirs seeking substantial Renaissance and early Baroque repertoire with a profound, positive textual theme.