Schmelzer's music incorporates diverse styles, ranging from noble church music to cheerful, popular melodies, and even drawing inspiration from opera and secular music.
Composer Biography
Schmelzer was described in a 1660 travel journal by Johann Joachim Müller as 'the famous and nearly most distinguished violinist in all Europe'.
Historical Context
The development of 17th-century instrumental music saw the violin gradually displace the cornett as the instrument of choice across various repertoires.
Instruments
The dulcian, referred to as 'fagotto', was a common instrument in instrumental music collections and was practically irreplaceable for supporting violins in the basso concertante.
Composer Biography
Johann Heinrich Schmelzer, the composer of these sonatas, was the son of a professional soldier and baker in Scheibbs, Lower Austria.
Composer Biography
Johann Heinrich Schmelzer was appointed vice-Kapellmeister at the Imperial court in 1671, awarded a noble title in 1673, and died of the plague in Prague in 1680.
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