Schütz Der Engel sprach zu den Hirten, SWV 395

Der Engel sprach zu den Hirten (The Angel spoke to the shepherds), SWV 395, is a piece by Heinrich Schutz. First published in 1648 as no. 5 from Geitsliche Chormusic, it can be performed with two voices and a mixed instrumental ensemble of sackbuts, viols, double reeds, recorders, and basso continuo. Schutz also gave the option of performing the Bassus, Quintus, Sextus and Septimus parts as choral parts, even providing them with a text underlay.