Innsbruck, I Must Leave You

Listen to the work here!
 
Innsbruck, I Must Leave You is an arrangement for string orchestra (in five parts, plus one timpanist) of a Renaissance choral song, with music originally written (as most scholars agree on today) by the Dutch choral composer Heinrich Isaac. The city of Innsbruck is located in Austria, and the lyrics of the song, which were likely not written by Isaac but rather set by him for this song, describe the sorrow of a man who must leave his home and his lover, and promises that lover that he will continue to think of them and remain faithful to them.
 
In this chorale style arrangement for string orchestra, I have attempted to capture the somber but cathartic mood of the original choral song and its resigned musical and lyrical character, while adding elements in strophic variations that unify the harmonic figures of Renaissance composition with present musical devices from over five centuries later. The song is first presented in plain, then with a pizzicato style accompanimental figure. A harmonically exploring interlude section alternates the strings with the timpani, and a final reprise of the song brings the arrangement to a close. This arrangement is suitable for orchestras of any age, who are excited to dive into the musical traditions of the past.