HAMMERSCHMIDT: Sacred works

Cordes, Manfred, Weser-Renaissance Bremen

CPO 999846

Andreas Hammerschmidt was, alongside such outstanding composers as Heinrich Schütz, one of the so-called "minor masters" of the 17th century, and yet it is precisely this composer who deserves to be brought a little closer to posterity once again. During his lifetime, the more than 400 sacred works of the organist and cantor from Zittau were widespread and highly praised throughout Germany: "Look, our Hammerschmidt, the Orpheus of this time, will live, in spite of you now, and in eternity!" and Schütz himself was not sparing with compliments: "Continue as you do, the path has already been taken, there will be more of you to hope for in the future."
Hammerschmidt's music is characterized by a special catchiness that has nothing to do with triviality. It is always neatly crafted, but has a sensual melodiousness that made it popular even in the smallest village churches. There were enough contemporaries who disliked Hammerschmidt and envied his popularity. Manfred Cordes has now recorded a selection of his motets and sacred concertos with his ensemble WESER-RENAISSANCE for cpo that makes this popularity understandable.

Works:

•Hammerschmidt: Christ lag in Todesbanden
• Hammerschmidt: Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
• Hammerschmidt: Herzlich lieb hab ich dich
• Hammerschmidt: Kirschen-und Tafelmusik (1662)
• Hammerschmidt: Motettae nius et duarum vocum (1649)
• Hammerschmidt: Nun danket alle Gott.

CD

CPO

14.11.2003

761203984626