Andreas Hammerschmidt: Ach Jesus stirbt

Featuring

Lionel Meunier
Vox Luminis
Clematis Ensemble
Andreas Hammerschmidt

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Composition History

This recording is an anthology of Andreas Hammerschmidt's works, selected to represent the variety of his styles and covering texts from Good Friday to Ascension.

Composer Biography

Andreas Hammerschmidt, the composer featured on this album, was born in Brüx, Bohemia (now Most in the Czech Republic) in 1611 or 1612.

Compositional Technique

Hammerschmidt's 'Musicalischer Andachten' volumes show an evolution in his musical language, from 'Geistliche Concerten' to 'Geistliche Madrigalen' and 'Geistliche Motetten und Concerten' with increasing forces.

Composer Biography

Hammerschmidt's family settled in Freiberg, in Lutheran country, in 1629 after Bohemia returned to Catholic dominance, allowing him to complete his musical training there.

Historical Context

In 17th-century Germany, town wind players, known as Stadtpfeifer, were often invited to participate in religious services for major liturgical festivals.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Hammerschmidt was a leading inheritor of the Lutheran polyphonic tradition but was also influenced by new Italian styles, incorporating recitative, polychoral techniques, and madrigalisms.

Compositional Technique

Some of Hammerschmidt's works, like 'Vater unser' and 'Siehe, wie fein und lieblich ist', feature impressive polychoral writing, with multiple choirs and instrumental ensembles.