The double choir Consolamini popule meus, written in 1539, is probably one of the most unusual compositions of its time in Europe. The ending in particular can be considered sensational for the 1530s, as it is more reminiscent of a grand finale in the classical era than of a Renaissance composition.

“The mixed double choir for eight voices on verses from the book of the prophet Isaiah has an interesting structure. Four sections in which both choirs sing together underline the most important passages of text and emphasize the first word with a homophonic introduction. The varied intermediate sections, however, are performed by the two choirs in alternation. These sections are designed somewhat more freely and dynamically, the transitions are fluid. This sets the intermediate sections apart from the common passages and makes it easy to follow the main thread of the composition. In the last quarter, the phrases become shorter and shorter until the alternation of the choirs is minimized to an echo. In this way, Heugel builds up tension, which finally erupts in the great final passage “Dei nostri”. This expansive three-part finale with its 27 bars is an unusual phenomenon for the 1530s and was clearly ahead of its time.” (Marie Schilp,Chorzeit – the vocal magazine, March 2015 issue)