Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

February 21, 1556

Death

:

November 24, 1615

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Sethus Calvisius was a German composer, music theorist, and teacher who lived during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. He was born on February 21, 1556, in Gorsleben, a small town in Thuringia, Germany. His father was a Lutheran pastor, and his mother was the daughter of a local nobleman. Calvisius showed an early interest in music and began his musical education at a young age. Calvisius studied music at the University of Leipzig, where he was a student of Johann Hermann Schein, a prominent composer and music theorist. After completing his studies, Calvisius became a music teacher at the St. Thomas School in Leipzig, where he taught music theory, composition, and singing. He also served as the cantor at the St. Thomas Church, where he directed the choir and composed music for the church services. Calvisius was a prolific composer, and his works include both sacred and secular music. His sacred music includes motets, hymns, and chorales, many of which were written for use in the Lutheran church. His secular music includes madrigals, canzonettas, and other vocal works, as well as instrumental music. One of Calvisius's most famous works is his collection of chorales, titled "Achtliederbuch," which was published in 1599. The collection contains eight hymns, each with four-part harmonies, and was intended for use in Lutheran church services. The chorales are notable for their simple, straightforward melodies and harmonies, which were designed to be easily sung by congregations. Calvisius also wrote several treatises on music theory and composition, including "Melopoeia," which was published in 1592. The treatise covers a wide range of topics, including the nature of music, the principles of harmony, and the rules of counterpoint. It was widely read and influential in its time, and helped to establish Calvisius as one of the leading music theorists of his era. In addition to his work as a composer and music theorist, Calvisius was also a respected teacher. He trained many students who went on to become prominent musicians and composers in their own right, including Heinrich Schütz, who is considered one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era. Calvisius died on November 24, 1615, in Leipzig, Germany. He left behind a rich legacy of music and scholarship, and his works continue to be studied and performed by musicians and scholars around the world.

More....