Scheidt: Tabulatura Nova II

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Baroque keyboard music with Samuel Scheidt's "Tabulatura Nova II," a captivating collection released in 2008. This two-disc set, performed masterfully by Franz Raml on organ and harpsichord, offers a comprehensive exploration of Scheidt's innovative keyboard works, originally published in Hamburg in 1624. With a duration of nearly two hours, this album is a treasure trove of 57 pieces, divided into three parts, showcasing Scheidt's virtuosity and compositional prowess.

The album features a diverse range of musical forms, including fugues, hymns, cantilenas, psalms, and dances, each piece meticulously crafted to highlight the expressive capabilities of the keyboard instruments of the time. Highlights include the intricate "Fuga Contraria," the haunting "Echo Ad Manuale Duplex & Lene," and the joyous "Psalmus In Die Nativitatis Christ ('Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ')." Scheidt's mastery of counterpoint and his ability to blend sacred and secular influences make this collection a standout in the Baroque repertoire.

Samuel Scheidt, a contemporary of Johann Sebastian Bach, was renowned for his contributions to German keyboard music. His "Tabulatura Nova II" is a testament to his enduring legacy, offering listeners a glimpse into the musical landscape of the early 17th century. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises an enriching and enjoyable experience.

1 maart 2008

2008 Musikproduktion Dabringhaus und Grimm

About Samuel Scheidt

Samuel Scheidt, a pioneering figure of the early Baroque era, was a German composer, organist, and teacher whose influence resonates through the centuries. Born in Halle in 1587, Scheidt's musical journey began with local instruction before he traveled to Amsterdam to study under the renowned Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck. This formative period shaped his unique style, blending European influences into a distinctive German Baroque sound. Returning to Halle, Scheidt served as organist at the Moritzkirche and later as chapelmaster, leaving an indelible mark on the city's musical landscape. His compositions, ranging from organ suites and chorale preludes to vocal works, showcase his mastery of counterpoint and concerto style, making him a seminal figure in the development of German organ music. Scheidt's legacy endures, inspiring generations of composers and musicians, and his works continue to captivate audiences with their timeless beauty and innovation.