Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel

Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel, born in 1690 near the German/Czech border, was a prolific and highly regarded German composer of the Baroque era. His cosmopolitan career took him through various European cities, including Breslau, Gera, Bayreuth, Prague, and Innsbruck, before settling in Gotha. Stölzel's extensive musical output includes numerous cantatas and instrumental works, showcasing his mastery of the Baroque style. One of his most enduring compositions is the aria "Bist du bei mir," which was later transcribed by Johann Sebastian Bach and included in the Notenbüchlein for Anna Magdalena Bach. Stölzel's talent was recognized by his contemporaries, with some even placing him above Bach in lists of leading German composers. His music, characterized by its emotional depth and technical virtuosity, continues to captivate audiences and musicians alike. Stölzel's legacy as a composer is a testament to his enduring influence on the Baroque era and beyond.