German Magnificat (Meine Seele erhebt den Herren) SWV 494

Schütz German Magnificat - Meine Seele erhebt den Herren SWV 494
from "Schwanengesang" (1671)

Heinrich Schütz (1858-1672) was a German composer and organist who studied in Venice with Giovanni Gabrieli.  Gabrieli's influence can be heard in many of Schütz's compositions.  Towards the end of his life, in 1671, Schütz composed a large volume "Schwanengesang" including this setting in German of the Magnifcat (My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord) for double SATB chorus.

It shows great originality and freshness as well as the mastery with which Schütz was able to make the Biblical text highly relevant.