The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Schütz's famous early-Baroque dialogue between the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Publican) from Luke 18. Soprano and Alto soloists, Tenor and Baritone soloists, SATB chorus, and organ (or harpsichord), with a new (and need we say "better"?) English translation.
(SA duet) Jesus said unto them, "Two men went to the temple to pray. The one was a pharisee, a moral and righteous man. The other was a tax collector, despised by everyone. The pharisee stood there and prayed with piety. But the tax collector moved off, would not lift up his eyes to heaven. They beat upon their breasts, loudly saying:
(Pharisee) I give thanks to thee, God, that I am not as other men are; thieves and rogues. Extortioners! Adulderers! Or even as this tax collector. I thank thee, O God! I always fast two days a week, and give a tenth of all I possess.
(Tax Collector) Lord, be merciful unto me. Lord, I am sinful. Have mercy on a sinner.
(Chorus) I say to you: This man went back home, went home justified, rather than the other. They who exalt themselves, they shall be humbled. But all who humble themselves, they shall be exalted.