Born:
October 8, 1585
Birthplace:
Kostritz, Saxony (Germany)
Died:
November 6, 1672 in Dresden
Also known as:
German composer of the 17th century whose works influenced other composers that followed, including Johann Sebastian Bach.
Type of Compositions:
Schütz wrote Italian madrigals, an opera, vocal and instrumental works. Unfortunately, many of his works were either lost or destroyed.
Influence:
Initially, Schutz attended the University of Marburg in 1609 to study law. However, a year later he traveled to Venice where he studied music mostly under the guidance of Giovanni Gabrielli. After the death of Gabrielli in 1612, Schütz returned to Germany to continue his law studies. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed as organist and then as Kapellmeister at the electoral chapel in Dresden. Again he visited Venice in 1628 and possibly studied with Claudio Monteverdi. Schutz also served as Kapellmeister to the royal court of Copenhagen from 1633 to 1635.
Notable Works:
His works include "Dafne" (an opera), "Cantiones sacrae," "Geistliche Chormusik," "Kleine geistliche," "Musikalische Exequien," "Psalmen Davids," "Passions according to Mathew, Mark, Luke and John," "Symphoniae sacrae II and III," "Seven Words of Christ on the Cross" and "The Christmas Oratorio."
Interesting Facts:
He was married to Magdalena Wildeck and they had two daughters.
Related Video:
Listen to Heinrich Schutz's "Psalmen Davids" courtesy of YouTube.