Tristis est anima mea (attributed to Kuhnau)

Rembrandt Jesus and his Disciples

Tristis est anima mea is a sacred motet attributed to Johann Kuhnau, a prominent German composer of the late Baroque period. The title translates to "My soul is sorrowful" in English, and the text is derived from the Gospel of Matthew, specifically from the words spoken by Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Attribution

The attribution of Tristis est anima mea to Johann Kuhnau has been a subject of scholarly debate. While some musicologists believe that the motet was indeed composed by Kuhnau, others suggest that it may have been written by another composer of the same era. The uncertainty arises due to the lack of definitive manuscript evidence directly linking the work to Kuhnau.

Musical Structure

The motet is composed for a choir and is typically performed a cappella. It is written in a polyphonic style, characteristic of the late Baroque period, and features intricate vocal lines that interweave to create a rich tapestry of sound. The text setting is expressive, aiming to convey the deep sorrow and anguish reflected in the words of Christ.

Text

The text of Tristis est anima mea is taken from the Gospel of Matthew 26:38, where Jesus says, "My soul is sorrowful even unto death." This passage is part of the narrative of the Agony in the Garden, a significant event in the Passion of Jesus.

Performance Practice

In terms of performance practice, Tristis est anima mea is often performed during the Holy Week services, particularly on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday. The motet's somber and reflective nature makes it suitable for these solemn occasions.

Legacy

Despite the uncertainty surrounding its authorship, Tristis est anima mea remains a valued piece in the choral repertoire. It is frequently performed by choirs around the world and is appreciated for its emotional depth and musical complexity.

See Also

• Johann Kuhnau
• Baroque music
• Motet
• Gospel of Matthew
• Passion of Jesus
• Holy Week