Heinrich Schütz: The Seven Last Words

Programme:
Heinrich Schütz Sehet an den Feigenbaum
Johann Hermann Schein Banchetto Musicale: Suite No. 7
Samuel Scheidt Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund SSWV113
Heinrich Schütz Erbarm dich mein, o Herre Gott SWV447
Samuel Scheidt Ludi Musici: Paduan dolorosa, Courant dolorosa
Heinrich Schütz Auf dem Gebirge
Die sieben Worte Jesu Christi am Kreuz SWV478

At the end of Europe’s brutal Thirty Years War in 1648, Heinrich Schütz published a volume of motets under the simple title of Geistliche Chor-Music or ‘Sacred Choir Music’. Fretwork is joined by a select group of singers in works from the collection and other pieces by the composer and his contemporaries that contemplate the sorrows of Christ’s crucifixion and express joy at its promise of eternal salvation, culminating in Schütz’s profound meditation Die sieben Worte Jesu Christi am Kreuz.

Performers:
Martha McLorinan mezzo-soprano
Elisabeth Paul alto
Charles Daniels tenor
Simon Wall tenor
Jimmy Holliday bass
Silas Wollston organ
Fretwork