Baerenreiter Verlag Geistliche Chor-music SWV 369-380 - Schutz - Choral Score, Anthology, Urtext Edition - Choir, Basso Continuo Geistliche Chor-music SWV 369-380 - Schutz - Choral Score, Anthology, Urtext Edition - Choir, Basso Continuo

Composer: Heinrich Schutz
Editor: Werner Breig
Format: Choral score, Anthology, Urtext edition
Instrumentation: Choir, Basso continuo
Scoring: Mixed choir, Basso continuo ad libitum
Language: German

In 1648 Heinrich Schutz published a collection of 29 motets with five to seven parts titled "Geistliche Chor-Music" (Sacred Choir Music). Here, the term "Chor" (choir) refers not only to a (large) vocal ensemble but, more generally, to a group of musicians, vocal or instrumental. As explained by Schutz in the foreword he published with the collection, all parts of the motets can be performed vocally and/or instrumentally.
This practice, common in Schutz's time, has been incorporated into Barenreiter's 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 "colla parte". 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.
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 "Hochschule fur Kunste Bremen". He performs internationally as the director of the ensemble "Weser-Renaissance Bremen".