Classical Music

Classical Music

The acclaimed period ensemble L'Acheron conducted by viola de gambist Francois Joubert-Caillet presents a collection of works from Samuel Scheidt's late Renaissance masterpiece 'Ludi Music'. Scheidt, considered one of the most prolific composer of the late Renaissance era lived at a time of transition with the polyphony of the Renaissance era already filled with intimations of the virtuosity and contrapuntal techniques of the looming Baroque era. L'Acheron's performance presents the palpable feeling of standing on thresholds throughout this fine recording.

Along with his colleagues Schütz und Schein, Samuel Scheidt belongs to the “three great Sch”, whose compositions spread from Middle Germany and influenced early German baroque. Whereas Schütz was rediscovered from the end of the 19th century and even more so over the course of the 20th century, Schein and Scheidt are still not widely known. Other than two years of study with Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck in Amsterdam, Scheidt spent his entire life in his native city of Halle. He became court organist in 1609 and court conductor 10 tears later. In spite of difficult living conditions due to the Thirty Years’ War and resulting sieges, epidemics, absentee authorities and the disappearance of any means of earning money, Scheidt managed to get the majority of his compositions printed and widely distributed. The Ensemble I Sonatori and the tenor Knut Schoch present a selection of religious concerts from all through the liturgical year. They offer a pleasant insight into the vocal religious works of this hitherto little known contemporary of Heinrich Schütz.

The present release is a portrait of an underestimated Baroque composer who had great influence on the development of musical style in middle Germany up to J. S. Bach, Samuel Scheidt. The Basel Madrigalists are an ensemble of 16-24 trained singers, which was initiated by the singer and conductor Fritz Naf. Since 1978, they have achieved a comprehensive repertoire of songs ranging from the Renaissance period to modern times. The emphasis is laid on the reenactment of madrigals, songs and chansons from the 16th/17th century and on the performance of modern compositions. Moreover, the ensemble is very actively engaged in giving concerts of a diversified nature, performing at the most important festivals in Europe and the USA. The Ensemble Galliarda Basel was founded in 1974 by Marianne Luthi, purely as a Renaissance recorder consort at first, but nowadays also occasionally performing in combination with other instruments.

Includes work(s) by Samuel Scheidt. Ensembles: La Capella Ducale, Cologne Musica Fiata. Conductor: Roland Wilson.

Classical Music

Samuel Scheidt was one of the most interesting Lutheran composers of the early 17th century. Like his famous contemporary Heinrich Schütz, he combined the polyphonic tradition with the new styles from Italy. His Cantiones Sacrae for eight voices mark the summit of Renaissance musical style; even though Protestant chorales are integrated into the work, Scheidt does not hesitate to use expressive effects that originated in the Italian madrigal style.