Dialogue (music)

Dialog ( Greek : "dialogos" = conversation) generally designates a musical form that develops from the opposition or success of different voices. Early applications can be found in Gregorian chant , in whose chants the lead singer and choir alternate.

In the 16th century , dialogue developed as an independent vocal musical genre in Italy and Protestant Germany . The text of the dialogue is designed as a conversation, for example between God and the believing soul. The musical forms are different. In Italy the dialogue is usually laid out as a motet or madrigal ; In Germany the most common musical form is the (small) sacred concert , which was shaped by Heinrich Schütz .

Johann Sebastian Bach processed the dialogue in his so-called dialogue cantatas in an impressive way. The dialogue between the believing soul and Jesus Christ in Dearest Jesus, my desire (BWV32) and I go and seek with desire (BWV49) . In O Ewigkeit, Du Donnerwort (BWV60) the dialogue between fear and hope is presented.