Andreas Hammerschmidt

Andreas Hammerschmidt was a German composer and organist of the early Baroque period, born around 1611 and active primarily in the mid-17th century. He's best known for his sacred vocal music, which played an important role in shaping German Protestant church music after the Reformation. Hammerschmidt’s works often merged the intricate vocal style of the Italian madrigal with the devotional texts and traditions of Lutheran worship. Despite living during the turbulence of the Thirty Years' War, he managed to produce a remarkably large body of music, including motets, concertos, and chorale settings, many of which were intended for small church choirs.

Serving in Zittau as an organist for most of his career, Hammerschmidt was widely respected in his time and sometimes referred to as the "Orpheus of Zittau." His blend of expressive vocal writing and accessibility made his music particularly popular in churches across German-speaking Europe. Today, he's recognized as one of the most important figures in 17th-century German sacred music, and his compositions are still performed by early music ensembles around the world.

Genres

Classical

Choral

Baroque

Sacred Music

Liturgical

Organ Music

Latest Release

Andreas Hammerschmidt: Ach Jesus stirbt

Andreas Hammerschmidt•

Vox Luminis•

Lionel Meunier•

Clematis

Album - 15 Tracks - Released September 25, 2020