This edition was prepared by Gerd Eichler — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Herr,du erforschst mein Sinne, SWV 244
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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Herr,du erforschst mein Sinne, SWV 244 by Heinrich Schütz — Lyrics
In finem, Psalmus David. Domine, probasti me, et cognovisti me;
tu cognovisti sessionem meam et resurrectionem meam.
Intellexisti cogitationes meas de longe;
semitam meam et funiculum meum investigasti:
et omnes vias meas praevidisti,
quia non est sermo in lingua mea.
Ecce, Domine, tu cognovisti omnia, novissima et antiqua.
Tu formasti me, et posuisti super me manum tuam.
Mirabilis facta est scientia tua ex me; confortata est, et non potero ad eam.
Quo ibo a spiritu tuo? et quo a facie tua fugiam?
Si ascendero in caelum, tu illic es; si descendero in infernum, ades.
Si sumpsero pennas meas diluculo, et habitavero in extremis maris,
etenim illuc manus tua deducet me, et tenebit me dextera tua.
Et dixi: Forsitan tenebrae conculcabunt me; et nox illuminatio mea in deliciis meis.
Quia tenebrae non obscurabuntur a te, et nox sicut dies illuminabitur:
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About Herr,du erforschst mein Sinne, SWV 244
Heinrich Schütz's Herr, du erforschst mein Sinne, SWV 244, is a powerful setting for SATB voices. The text, drawn from Psalm 139, explores the omniscient nature of God. It begins with the poignant realisation that God knows our innermost thoughts, our comings and goings, and even our intentions before they are spoken. The composer's masterful setting emphasizes the profound theological concepts, contrasting moments of awe with expressions of humility. This sacred work, sung in German, reflects Schütz's deep understanding of biblical texts and his ability to translate their spiritual weight into compelling musical language. Its rich harmonies and contrapuntal texture make it a deeply moving experience for both performers and listeners.
