Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Czech Republic

Birth

:

December 21, 1628 in Zercice, Czech Republic

Death

:

November 10, 1665 in Stuttgart, Germany

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Samuel Capricornus was a German composer of the Baroque era, born on December 21, 1628, in Žerčice, Bohemia (now in the Czech Republic). His real name was Samuel Friedrich Bockshorn, but he adopted the name Capricornus, which means "goat-horned," as a reference to his astrological sign, Capricorn. Capricornus grew up in a musical family, and his father was a cantor and organist. He received his early musical education from his father and later studied at the University of Prague. In 1650, he became the organist at the Church of St. Nicholas in Prague, where he remained for the rest of his life. Capricornus was a prolific composer, and his works include sacred music, secular vocal music, and instrumental music. He was known for his use of chromaticism and dissonance, which were unusual for the time. His music was also characterized by its emotional intensity and expressive power. One of Capricornus's most famous works is his St. John Passion, which was first performed in 1664. The work is a setting of the Gospel of John, and it includes arias, choruses, and recitatives. The music is dramatic and intense, and it reflects the emotional turmoil of the Passion story. Another notable work by Capricornus is his Missa Dolorosa, which was composed in 1664. The work is a setting of the Mass, and it is characterized by its use of chromaticism and dissonance. The music is somber and mournful, reflecting the theme of the Mass. Capricornus also composed a number of secular vocal works, including madrigals and cantatas. One of his most famous secular works is his cycle of madrigals, called "Bella Discordia," which was published in 1657. The madrigals are characterized by their use of chromaticism and dissonance, and they reflect the emotional turmoil of love and desire. In addition to his vocal works, Capricornus also composed instrumental music, including sonatas and canzonas. His instrumental music is characterized by its virtuosity and technical complexity, and it reflects the influence of Italian Baroque music. Capricornus died on November 10, 1665, in Prague, at the age of 36. Despite his short life, he left behind a significant body of work that has been admired for its emotional intensity and expressive power. His music has been performed and recorded by many musicians and ensembles, and it continues to be appreciated by audiences today.

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