Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel was a prominent German Baroque composer whose life and work bridged the late 17th and the early 18th centuries. Born on January 13, 1690, in Grünstädtel, Saxony, he was a notable contemporary of Johann Sebastian Bach, and his compositions, though less remembered by the general public, held considerable influence during his time.

Stölzel received a robust music education, attending the prestigious University of Leipzig where he likely encountered the rich musical environment that contributed to the development of many German Baroque musicians. Over the course of his career, he secured positions such as Kapellmeister to the court of Gotha, where he produced a wealth of sacred and secular music. Stölzel was a prolific composer, credited with an extensive output including cantatas, concertos, chamber music, and operas.

One of his most celebrated pieces, "Bist du bei mir," was long attributed to J.S. Bach—as BWV 508—before musical scholarship clarified Stölzel as its true composer. This work's simple yet profound melody has continued to endear it to audiences, especially in its many transcriptions and arrangements. Though many of Stölzel's compositions have been lost, their revival in modern times reflects the enduring appeal of his work and its significance to the Baroque musical canon. Stölzel passed away on November 27, 1749, leaving behind a legacy skillfully intertwining with the rich tapestry of Baroque-era music.

Genres

Baroque

German Baroque

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Bach Generations

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Album - 14 Tracks - Released August 4, 2023