Heinrich Schütz

Nationality: German

Born: Bad Köstritz, October 8^th 1585

Died: Dresden, November 6^th, 1672

Type of music: Sacred vocal music, Sacred instrumental music

Main works: Psalmen Davids (1619), Dafne (1627),

 Symphoniae sacrae (1629, 1647, 1650), Passions (1664-66)

In the timeline of music history, Schütz stands as the predecessor and compatriot of J.S. Bach, and would prove to become one of the most influential German composers of the 17^th century. Schütz travelled to Italy to study law and became learned in Italian music styles. He would combine this with his homeland's musical traditions on his return in 1613. In the same year he became an organist and the Kapellmeister at a court in Dresden.

The Italian influence is present in first collection of compositions published in 1619, which were a collection of settings for voices, with interludes in the Venetian style. In 1628, Schütz visited Italy again and met Monteverdi. The next publication from Schütz after this meeting was a collection of instrumental and vocal music 'Symphoniae sacrae'.

His compositional duties for the court included writing musical for official events. In 1627 he wrote the first German opera, 'Dafne' for the wedding of the elector's daughter. The music unfortunately has not survived.

In 1660, he wrote the earliest known setting of the nativity story, 'The history of the birth of Jesus Christ' which was performed at Christmas vespers at the Dresden court.

Many of Schütz's works were lost or destroyed although roughly 500 works still survived. The settings of the four passions, numerous psalmes, motets and Italian madrigals all had profound influence on J.S.Bach. His music was rediscovered in the 20^th century and in 1962, Roger Norrington formed the first amateur Schütz choir in the UK.

"The most spiritual musician the world has ever seen”. - Alfred Einstein

Spotify link for the Classical Cafe playlist: 

https://play.spotify.com/user/1146446707/playlist/722kiKqGuaxYnbQqnjifAr