Schütz, Heinrich : Geistliche Chor- Music

In 1648 Heinrich Sch¸tz published a collection of 29 motets with five to seven parts titled ìGeistliche Chor-Musicî (Sacred Choir Music). Here, the term ìChorî (choir) refers not only to a (large) vocal ensemble but, more generally, to a group of musicians, vocal or instrumental. As explained by Sch¸tz in the foreword he published with the collection, all parts of the motets can be performed vocally and/or instrumentally.

This practice, common in Sch¸tzís time, has been incorporated into B‰renreiterís new publication. The edition includes the twelve five-part motets at original pitch with basso continuo. In addition, instrumental parts for string and wind instruments can be purchased. These parts, which include the text, serve to support and complement the choral sound ìcolla parteî. To enable varying tone-colour possibilities, instrumental parts are available in different transpositions.

Of great significance is the detailed foreword on performance practice by Manfred Cordes.

– Reflects the latest in musicological research based on the ìNew Sch¸tz Editionî
– Includes a detailed foreword (Eng/Ger) on performance practice by a Sch¸tz expert
– Instrumental parts (strings, winds) available in transpositions

Manfred Cordes is a specialist for the music of the 16th and early 17th centuries. He works as professor for music theory, counterpoint and ensemble and is also rector of the ìHochschule f¸r K¸nste Bremenî. He performs internationally as the director of the ensemble ìWeser-Renaissance Bremenî.