WESER-RENAISSANCE Bremen, led by Manfred Cordes, is an internationally renowned ensemble specializing in 16th and 17th-century music, known for discovering and performing hidden musical treasures.
Composer Biography
Heinrich Schütz, the composer, was historically considered "the father of all musicians" in German cultural history and a central figure in Lutheran choral music, bridging the gap between Luther and Bach.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Schütz's 'Symphoniae sacrae I' demonstrates his full command of the sacred concerto for few voices and instruments, a technique he had mastered even before his first trip to Venice.
Composition History
The traditional view of Schütz as primarily a composer of large choral works has been challenged by the 'Symphoniae sacrae I,' which showcases his expressive, virtuosic music for small ensembles.
Interpretation
This recording's order of pieces is based on the biblical texts used, with half from the Psalter and seven from the Song of Songs, rather than the original printed sequence.
Compositional Technique
The collection's original printed order followed standard practices of the time, placing pieces with fewer voices at the beginning and those with more voices at the end, regardless of whether they were vocal or instrumental.
Compositional Technique
The 'Symphoniae sacrae I' is Schütz's oldest printed collection of works and features obbligato early baroque instruments and decidedly soloistic vocal parts, requiring great virtuosity.
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Rupert Ignaz Mayr: Psalms from Sacri Concentus 1681
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Schutz, H.: Geistliche Chormusik
Schutz, H.: Kleiner Geistlichen Concerten
Schutz: Symphoniae Sacrae
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