Schütz: Musicalische Exequien

Featuring

Lionel Meunier
Bernard Foccroulle
Vox Luminis
Heinrich Schütz
Samuel Scheidt
Johann Sebastian Bach

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Composer's Artistic Vision

For Lutheran composers like Schütz, the vision of death was one of great serenity and trust in redemption, viewing it as a liberation from earthly suffering.

Historical Context

Prince Heinrich Posthumus von Reuss, the commissioner of Musicalische Exequien, was a skilled diplomat and humanist whose advice was frequently sought.

Album & Artwork

The album features photos of the sarcophagus of Heinrich Posthumus Reuss, which was rediscovered in 1995 and contains liturgical texts chosen by him.

Composition History

Heinrich Schütz's Musicalische Exequien was commissioned by Prince Heinrich Posthumus von Reuss, who had meticulously planned his own funeral service.

Composition History

Schütz composed two versions of "Herr, nun läßest du" for six voices in 1656 for the funeral of Georg I, Elector of Saxony, his patron for over forty years.

Instruments

The basso continuo for Musicalische Exequien was intended for organ, with the term "Violon" referring to a violone, a bass string instrument.

Compositional Technique

Schütz's Concert in Form einer Teutschen Begräbnis-Missa systematically alternates between solo voice sections and a six-part Capella, for which he recommended doubling the number of singers.