Praetorius & Schütz: Sacred Works

Featuring

Manfred Cordes
Weser-Renaissance Bremen
Michael Praetorius
Heinrich Schütz

Did you know?

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Composer Biography

Michael Praetorius was engaged at the Dresden court as non-resident director of music between 1614 and 1621, and likely collaborated with Heinrich Schütz during this period.

Compositional Technique

Heinrich Schütz's collection PSALMEN DAVIDS, published in 1619, reflects his first stay in Venice and his adoption of the lavish polychoral style he learned from Giovanni Gabrieli at St Mark's.

Historical Context

Wolfenbüttel became a center of Lutheran musical culture in northern Germany during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, fostered by an intensive musical exchange with central German music centers like Saxony.

Composer's Artistic Vision

The musical culture in Wolfenbüttel, influenced by Martin Luther, emphasized divine inspiration in music and direct access to God through music, without the need for clergy.

Composer Biography

Heinrich Schütz, a renowned Dresden composer, was officially engaged as 'Capellmeister von Haus aus' (non-resident director of music) at the Wolfenbüttel court from 1655 to at least 1666.

Album & Artwork

This album allows for stylistic comparisons between Michael Praetorius and Heinrich Schütz by presenting their parallel settings of the same texts.

Compositional Technique

Michael Praetorius, though he never visited Italy, is considered the first legitimate 'importer' of the new Italian style into northern Europe, incorporating modern embellishments and expressive effects into his music.