Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of early 17th-century German music with Johann Hermann Schein's "Israels Brünnlein," a masterful collection of sacred madrigals that blend the German-Dutch motet tradition with the expressive artistry of Italian madrigals. Schein, a predecessor of Johann Sebastian Bach, served as Thomaskantor in Leipzig and left behind a legacy that is today celebrated as a jewel in the Protestant sacred repertory.
This album, released on January 20, 2023, by CPO, features the complete "Israels Brünnlein" cycle, a set of 26 sacred concertos based on Old Testament texts. Each piece, composed for five voices and basso continuo, showcases Schein's unique ability to merge the musical influences of his time into a cohesive and deeply moving whole. The texts, rendered in German, are brought to life with a profound sense of drama and devotion, reflecting the composer's deep spiritual connection to the material.
Performed by the esteemed ensemble Opella Musica under the direction of Gregor Meyer, this recording captures the essence of Schein's work with precision and passion. Recorded in the acoustically splendid Maria am Wasser church in Dresden-Hosterwitz, the album offers a listening experience that is both intimate and grand, allowing the intricate polyphony and expressive melodies to shine.
With a duration of 1 hour and 41 minutes, "Israels Brünnlein" is a substantial and rewarding journey through the sacred music of the early Baroque period. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of early music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a profound and enriching experience, showcasing the timeless beauty of Schein's compositions.
2022 CPO2022 CPO
Tracks
Israels Brünnlein: No. 1, O Herr, ich bin dein KnechtJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 2, Freue dich des Weibes deiner JugendJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 3, Die mit Tränen säenJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 4, Ich lasse dich nichtJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 5, Dennoch bleibe ich stets an dirJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 6, Wende dich, Herr, und sei mir gnädigJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 7, Zion spricht. Der Herr hat mich verlassenJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 8, Ich bin jung gewesenJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 9, Der Herr denket an unsJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 10, Da Jakob vollendet hatteJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 11, Lieblich und schöne sein ist nichtsJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 12, Ist nicht Ephraim mein teurer SohnJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 13, Siehe an die Werk GottesJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 14, Ich freue mich im HerrenJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 15, Unser Leben währet siebnzig JahrJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 16, Ihr Heiligen, lobsinget dem HerrenJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 17, Herr, laß meine Klage für dich kommenJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 18, Siehe, nach Trost war mir sehr bangeJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 19, Ach Herr, ach meiner schoneJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 20, Drei schöne Ding sindJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 21, Was betrübst du dich, meine SeeleJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 22, Wem ein tugendsam Weib bescheret istJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 23, O Herr Jesu ChristeJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 24, Ich bin die Wurzel des Geschlechtes DavidJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 25, Lehre uns bedenkenJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Israels Brünnlein: No. 26, Nu danket alle GottJohann Hermann Schein, Opella Musica, Tillmann Steinhöfel, Gregor Meyer
Johann Hermann Schein, a pioneering figure of the early Baroque era, was a German composer whose innovative spirit bridged the gap between Italian and German musical traditions. Born in Grünhain, near Annaburg, in 1586, Schein's musical journey began at a young age, leading him to become the Thomaskantor in Leipzig from 1615 until his untimely death in 1630. Known for his polished compositions, Schein was one of the first to introduce Italian stylistic innovations into German music, enriching the local musical landscape with his unique blend of influences. His works, such as the pastoral delights of "Diletti pastorali" and the sacred madrigals of "Israelis Brunnlein," showcase his mastery of both secular and religious genres. Schein's legacy endures, inviting audiences to explore the depths of his musical genius and the timeless beauty of his compositions.
Vinylscout
Johann Hermann Schein
