Composer

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Heinrich Scheidemann

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Average_duration

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5:04

Heinrich Scheidemann was a German composer and organist who lived from 1595 to 1663. He was a prominent figure in the North German organ school, which was a group of composers and performers who were active in the 17th century in the area around Hamburg and Lübeck. Scheidemann was one of the most important composers of his time, and his music had a significant influence on the development of the organ repertoire. One of Scheidemann's most famous works is his setting of the Christmas carol "Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her." The carol is based on a text by Martin Luther, and it tells the story of the birth of Jesus. Scheidemann's setting of the carol is a chorale fantasia, which is a type of composition that was popular in the 17th century. The chorale fantasia is a form of organ music that is based on a hymn tune, and it typically consists of a series of variations on the tune. Scheidemann's setting of "Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her" is composed of four movements. The first movement is an introduction, which sets the stage for the rest of the piece. The second movement is a chorale prelude, which is a simple setting of the hymn tune. The third movement is a fugue, which is a complex contrapuntal composition that is based on a single theme. The fourth movement is a coda, which brings the piece to a close. The characteristics of Scheidemann's setting of "Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her" are typical of the North German organ school. The piece is characterized by its virtuosic organ writing, its use of complex counterpoint, and its rich harmonies. Scheidemann's setting of the carol is a masterpiece of the organ repertoire, and it is still performed and admired today. The piece was composed in the early 17th century, and it premiered in the churches of Hamburg and Lübeck, where Scheidemann was active as an organist.

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