Johann Pachelbel (1653–1706),[1] who was church musician at the Predigerkirche in Erfurt from 1678 to 1690,[2] composed the motetNun danket alle Gott, scored for a double chorus and basso continuo.[3][4] In a first section, the two choirs are used antiphonally for the Biblical text from Ecclesiasticus50:22-24. This is followed by a chorale setting of the first stanza of the "Nun danket alle Gott" that Martin Rinkart based on the same passage. The chorale melody is quoted completely as a cantus firmus in the soprano, on top of three lively voices in polyphony.[5][1] The motet, as the ten others by the composer including the Psalm settings Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied and Tröste, tröste uns, Gott, focus on a rich sound of the many voices, but remains simple in melody and harmony. They are intended to serve in church services.[4] The motet can be performed by two groups of musicians at different locations, for a stronger antiphonal effect, and with various instruments reinforcing the voices, or even replacing all voices of the second choir.[1]
Bärenreiter published the motet, with both German and English text, in 1954, edited by Hans Heinrich Eggebrecht.[1] Its 21st edition appeared in 2008.[4]Carus-Verlag published it in German, edited by Dietrich Krüger.[3]
