Vox Luminis, Lionel Meunier – Schütz: Musicalische Exequien (2011) [FLAC 24bit/44,1kHz]

With the Thirty Years War raging around them, Lutherans considered death to be the true fulfillment of their earthly life. Prince Heinrich von Reuss organised all the details of his funeral in advance, from the music that would be sung – to be composed and then performed by Heinrich Schütz during the funeral ceremony – to the coffin itself. Our programme includes not only the renowned Musicalische Exequien but also other funeral motets by Schütz, one of which was composed on the death of his friend Johann Hermann Schein. After the success of their CD of works by Samuel Scheidt (RIC 301), Vox Luminis now take up the challenge of one of Schützs greatest sacred works. It should be noted that the CD cover art is a photograph of a section of the coffin that Reuss himself had ordered; Prince Heinrich XIII Reuss has most generously allowed its use by Ricercar for this recording. The coffin is made of solid copper; its richly decorated exterior is studded with cartouches that contain liturgical texts selected by the deceased prince.

The 12 voices of Belgian ensemble Vox Luminis put their faith in tonal focus and sweetly balanced textures. Though one might expect from that a certain coolness, their singing produces music-making of intimate, aching beauty. The recorded sound, gently resonant, is perfect. This great work is preceded by other funeral motets by Schütz, including two more settings of the Nunc dimittis and a heartfelt musician s memorial to the composer Schein. In Vox Luminis s hands even the four verses of Luther s unison chorale Mit Fried und Freud tugs at the heart. A marvellous disc. – Gramophone

This is an exceptional new Schütz recording…the most completely satisfying version that I have ever heard of this extraordinary work…Meunier’s pacing feels utterly natural, and both the inventiveness and meditative repose of Schütz’s music comes across marvellously. In short, if you are looking for a recording of this beautiful and daring work, this new Ricercar disc is the one to choose. September 2011. -International Record Review

It has received some fine recordings, and this new one is quite outstanding 12 light-voiced singers alternating solo,ensemble,and choral forces,a beautifully balanced ensemble of individual yet blended voices.Photos of the magnificent coffin of the noble lord in whose honour this music was written are in the booklet;Lionel Meunier’s thoughtful direction makes a serene and rewarding disc.10th July 2011. -The Observer

Tracklist

Heinrich Schütz (1585-1672)
01. Herr, nun lässest du deinen Diener in Friede fahen, SWV 432 (4:01)
02. Ich bin die Auferstehung und das Leben, SWV 464 (3:37)
03. Herr, nun lässest du deinen Diener in Friede fahen, SWV 433 (3:18)
04. Das ist je gewißlich wahr, SWV 277 (4:44)

Samuel Scheidt (1587-1654)
05. Wir glauben all an einen Gott (3:15)
06. Mit Fried und Freud fahr ich dahin (3:29)

Heinrich Schütz
Musicalische Exequien, SWV 279: Concert in Form einer teutschen Begräbnis-Missa
07. Nacket bin ich (3:59)
08. Also hat Gott die Welt geliebt (20:21)
09. Herr, wenn ich nur dich habe, SWV 280 (3:28)
10. Herr, nun lässest du deinen Diener in Friede fahren, SWV 281 (4:57)

Personnel
Masato Suzuki (organ)
Vox Luminis, Lionel Meunier

Download:

mqs.link_VxLuminisLinelMeunierSchtzMusicalischeExequien20112444.rar

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