Musikalische Exequien

During a chat with my dear friend, Joe Herl, he mentioned that I HAD to get this recording of Schütz by La Chapelle Royale. It is a gem indeed. Aside from the superb vocal performance, the one thing that Schütz's music conveys is the utter peace with which a Christian can face "the last enemy" when securely tucked into Christ via Baptism into Him, nourished by His body and blood, and fortified by the promises of God's Word. Among the many promises Schütz has set to music:

For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.

If we live, we live to the Lord; if we die, we die in the Lord; thus whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.

God so loved the world... (2 settings of this, actually).

The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.

Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we await a Savior, Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

There are also some Lutheran chorale settings that will amaze. From "Dear Christians" the lovely stanza: "God said to His beloved Son, It's time to have compassion" and from "In peace and joy" we get "Christ is the Hope and Saving Light."

Schade, alles ist auf Deutsch! But even if you don't do Deutsch, the music is simply stunning. I highly recommend it: Musikalische Exequien