Stimmwerck is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing medieval and Renaissance music. The ensemble was founded in 2001 by four musicians who shared a passion for early music and a desire to explore the rich repertoire of vocal music from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The founding members of Stimmwerck were Franz Vitzthum, Klaus Wenk, Gerhard Hölzle, and Marcus Schmidl. All four musicians had extensive experience performing early music and had worked together in various ensembles before forming Stimmwerck. The name "Stimmwerck" is a German word that roughly translates to "vocal work" or "vocal art." The name reflects the ensemble's focus on vocal music and its commitment to exploring the nuances and complexities of early vocal music. From the beginning, Stimmwerck set out to create a unique sound that blended the individual voices of its members into a seamless whole. The ensemble's repertoire includes a wide range of music from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, including sacred and secular music, as well as works from the German, French, Italian, and English traditions. One of the highlights of Stimmwerck's early career was its performance at the 2002 Tage Alter Musik festival in Regensburg, Germany. The festival is one of the most prestigious early music festivals in Europe, and Stimmwerck's performance was widely praised for its technical precision and expressive power. In the years that followed, Stimmwerck continued to build its reputation as one of the leading ensembles in the field of early music. The ensemble performed at major festivals and concert halls throughout Europe, including the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh Festival, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Stimmwerck's recordings have also received critical acclaim. The ensemble's debut album, "Missa Caput," was released in 2003 and was praised for its "exquisite vocal blend" and "impeccable musicianship." The album features works by composers such as Josquin des Prez, Johannes Ockeghem, and Antoine Busnoys. In 2006, Stimmwerck released its second album, "Lamentatio," which features music by the 15th-century composer Johannes Brassart. The album was praised for its "sensitive and nuanced performances" and was named one of the top classical recordings of the year by several music publications. Stimmwerck's third album, "Missa Hercules Dux Ferrariae," was released in 2010 and features works by the Italian composer Josquin des Prez. The album was praised for its "impeccable vocal technique" and "deep emotional resonance." In addition to its performances and recordings, Stimmwerck has also been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2004, the ensemble was awarded the Echo Klassik award for its debut album, "Missa Caput." The Echo Klassik is one of the most prestigious classical music awards in Germany and is awarded annually to outstanding recordings and performers. Stimmwerck has also been recognized with the Diapason d'Or award, which is awarded by the French music magazine Diapason to outstanding recordings in the classical music genre. The ensemble received the award in 2010 for its recording of Josquin des Prez's "Missa Hercules Dux Ferrariae." Today, Stimmwerck continues to perform and record music from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and the ensemble remains committed to exploring the rich and varied repertoire of early vocal music.

More....