Michael Praetorius

Michael Praetorius, Michael Schultheiss actually (* February 15, 1571 in Creuzburg at Eisenach, † February 15, 1621 in Wolfenbüttel ), was a German composer, organist, court conductor and scholar in the transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque period.

Life

Praetorius was the son of Lutheran pastor Michael Schulteis, a pupil of Johann Walter, and first attended the Torgau Latin School. He then studied with the help of his brother theology in Frankfurt ( Oder). After his brother's death he was organist in Frankfurt ( Oder). At the age of 24 he went to Lüneburg organist and performed as chamber secretary in the service of Prince Heinrich Julius of Brunswick- Wolfenbüttel. In 1604 he received the title of court Kapellmeister and became the successor of Thomas Mancinus. As court organist he was also on the 1596 completed Groninger Castle organ. He was appointed the honorary prior of the monastery, to ring home, never had there but reside.

After the death of his royal masters in 1613 Praetorius was often as musical consultant and organizer for traveling. In the same year he entered the service of John George of Saxony at Dresden court, where he worked until 1616. He then went back to Wolffenbüttel, where he died five years later as a wealthy man and was buried in St. Mary's Church.

Works

Praetorius left a large number of valuable church compositions ( masses, motets, hymns, hymns, etc. ), but also secular dances and musicological writings. His most important work, the Syntagma Musicum (Vol. 1, Wittenberg / Wolfenbüttel 1615 Vol 2 and 3, Wolfenbüttel 1619; Ndr Kassel 1958-59 ) is considered today as the most important source on the performance practice of the German music of the early Baroque. The three -volume treatise describes in detail the contemporary musical practice and all this time common musical instruments.

In his 1244 song arrangements comprehensive compilation Musae Sioniae he was since 1605 the musical heritage of the Reformation of his time on. The modern edition of his compositions comprises 20 volumes plus index volume.

His popular collection of secular dances Praetorius published under the title Terpsichore, the name of the Greek muse of dance. A wide audience is Michael Praetorius best known for his four -part setting of the carol Es ist ein Ros.

In today's Evangelical Hymns The following of his works:

  • Set to the shepherds glorified, honor ( Quem pastores laudavere ) (EC 29)
  • Set to Es ist ein Ros sprung (EC 30)
  • The morning star is set to forced on (EC 69)
  • Text We thank you, Lord Jesus Christ (EC 121)
  • Canon Jubilate Deo (EC 181.7 )
  • Melody to my soul, O Lord, must praise you (EC 308)
  • Melody to O faithful heart, gebenedei (EC 318)
  • Melody on My first feeling was praise and thanksgiving " (EC 451)

Posterity

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