Composer

:

Johann Heinrich Schmelzer

Genre

:

Chamber

Average_duration

:

3:25

Johann Heinrich Schmelzer's 'Sacro-profanus Concentus Musicus No. 5, sonata a 6' is a Baroque instrumental work that was composed in the mid-17th century. The piece is believed to have been written around 1660, during Schmelzer's tenure as the Kapellmeister at the Imperial Court in Vienna. The 'Sacro-profanus Concentus Musicus No. 5, sonata a 6' is a six-movement work that is scored for six instruments: two violins, two violas, and two bass instruments (either cellos or bassoons). The piece is notable for its use of contrasting musical styles, with each movement alternating between sacred and secular themes. The first movement, marked "Sonata," is a lively and energetic piece that features intricate counterpoint between the six instruments. The second movement, "Allemande," is a slower, more stately dance that showcases the violins and violas in a series of elegant melodies. The third movement, "Courante," is a faster dance that features a driving rhythm and intricate interplay between the instruments. The fourth movement, "Sarabande," is a slow and mournful piece that features a haunting melody played by the violins and violas. The fifth movement, "Gigue," is a lively and energetic dance that features a driving rhythm and intricate interplay between the instruments. The final movement, "Sonata," is a reprise of the opening movement, with the six instruments once again engaging in intricate counterpoint and complex harmonies. Overall, the 'Sacro-profanus Concentus Musicus No. 5, sonata a 6' is a masterful example of Baroque instrumental music, showcasing Schmelzer's skill as a composer and his ability to seamlessly blend sacred and secular themes into a cohesive whole. The piece premiered in Vienna in the mid-17th century and has since become a beloved work in the Baroque repertoire.

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