Schütz set the text of the biblical words in their context, framed by two stanzas from Johann Böschenstein's hymn "Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund", as an oratorio or Passion cantata.
The original title reads: Die Sieben Worte unsers lieben Erlösers u. Seeligmachers Jesu Christi, so er am Stamm des Hl.
Kreuzes gesprochen[1] (The seven words of our dear redeemer and saviour Jesus Christ, which he spoke on the stem of the Holy Cross).
[6] The cover of a manuscript bears a poem which illustrates the meaning of the meditation: "Lebstu der Weltt, so bistu todt/ und kränckst Christum mit schmertzen / Stirbst' aber in seinen Wunden roth / So lebt er in deim Hertzen.
The preceding Introitus and closing Conclusio are the first and last stanzas of the hymn "Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund", written by Johann Böschenstein [de] (1472–1539).
Wort: Wahrlich, ich sage dir, heute wirst du mit mir im Paradies sein.
Conclusio Wer Gottes Marter in Ehren hat und oft gedenkt der sieben Wort, der will Gott gar eben pflegen, wohl hie auf Erd mit seiner Gnad, und dort in dem ewigen Leben.
Introduction Muse in your heart the seven words that Jesus pronounced in bitter sorrows when he was on the cross, covered with wounds.
[9] According to an early manuscript, the instruments play only in the sinfonia and with the vox Christi, while the introduction, Evangelist and conclusion are accompanied only by the continuo.
[2] The work was first recorded in 1966 by Archiv: Peter Schreier and Theo Adam soloed with the Dresdner Kreuzchor under Rudolf Mauersberger.
A reviewer described the work as a "distinctive and expansive score", and noted: "The depth of feeling offered by the principals is exceptional, with significant dramatic expression combined with conviction and appropriate reverence.
"[10] The Dresdner Kammerchor recorded the work, along with Passions by Schütz, with soloists and a viol choir conducted by Hans-Christoph Rademann in 2012.