Schütz: Symphoniae Sacrae III, Op. 12

Featuring

Hans-Christoph Rademann
Dresdner Barockorchester
Dresdner Kammerchor
Heinrich Schütz

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Cultural Impact

Heinrich Schütz was described during his lifetime as 'parens nostrae musicae modernae,' or 'father of our modern music,' highlighting his foundational influence on subsequent composers.

Performer Biography

The Dresdner Kammerchor, founded in 1985 by Hans-Christoph Rademann, is one of Germany's leading choirs and is undertaking the first complete recording of Heinrich Schütz's works.

Critical Reception

Johannes Brahms introduced Schütz's 'Saul, was verfolgst du mich?' to the Viennese public in 1864, creating a 'musical sensation' with its advanced musical architecture and harmonic daring.

Composer Biography

At 65 years old, Heinrich Schütz, widely regarded as the 'very best German composer,' requested an easing of his duties and release from service at the Dresden court due to 'failing sight' and 'fading vitality.'

Composer's Artistic Vision

Schütz's Symphoniae sacrae III represents a unique blend of Italian avant-garde music of the 17th century with his own distinctive style, which influenced German and Central European music history.

Composition History

Heinrich Schütz's Symphoniae sacrae III, published in 1650, was created in the aftermath of the Thirty Years' War, which had ended two years prior.

Compositional Technique

Schütz's compositions are rich in musical imagery, where specific musical figures are used to depict textual meanings, such as winding paths for 'fresh waters' or a single sustained note for 'dwelling in the house of the Lord.'