Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

ca. 1480 in Schweidnitz, Poland

Death

:

1526 in Znaim, Moravia

Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Choral

 

Thomas Stoltzer was a German composer of the Renaissance period, born in 1480 in the town of Schweidnitz, Silesia (now Świdnica, Poland). Not much is known about his early life, but it is believed that he received his musical education in Vienna, where he may have studied with Heinrich Isaac. Stoltzer’s career as a composer began in the early 16th century, when he was appointed as a singer at the court of Duke George the Bearded in Dresden. He later served as a singer and composer at the court of Elector Joachim I of Brandenburg in Berlin, where he remained until his death in 1526. Stoltzer was known for his sacred music, particularly his motets and masses. His compositions were highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was considered one of the leading composers of his time. His music was characterized by its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and intricate polyphony. One of Stoltzer’s most famous works is his Missa super Ave Maria, a mass based on the popular Marian hymn “Ave Maria.” The mass is scored for four voices and features intricate polyphony and rich harmonies. It is considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance polyphony and is still performed today. Stoltzer also composed a number of motets, including “O admirabile commercium,” “O sacrum convivium,” and “Veni Sancte Spiritus.” These works are characterized by their expressive melodies and intricate polyphony, and are considered some of the finest examples of Renaissance sacred music. In addition to his sacred music, Stoltzer also composed secular works, including chansons and instrumental music. However, very few of these works have survived to the present day. Stoltzer’s music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was considered one of the leading composers of his time. However, his music fell out of favor in the centuries following his death, and it was not until the 20th century that his music began to be rediscovered and performed again. Today, Stoltzer’s music is recognized as some of the finest examples of Renaissance sacred music, and his Missa super Ave Maria is considered one of the greatest works of the period. His music continues to be performed and recorded by choirs and ensembles around the world, ensuring that his legacy as a composer will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

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