Der Instrumentalcharakter bei Schütz : Zur Bedeutung der Instrumente in den 'Symphoniae sacrae'

Abstract

The Symphoniae sacrae I-III have not attracted the attention of researchers and performers to the same degree as Schütz's other great works. The heterogeneous quality of the collection and the variety of instrumental and compositional means may have caused it to be neglected, together with the fact that the pieces were written over a broad span of time. Nonetheless, the Symphoniae sacrae do share a common feature in the use of obbligato instruments, which decisively distinguishes them from his other works. Possible effects of the obbligato instruments on the vocal writing are considered, and, conversely, what influence Schütz's compositional principles had on the elaboration of his instrumental parts.