He spake the word

Last week's performances of Handel's "Israel in Egypt" left me with several fun earworms (like the one below!), but also had me reflecting on how often ordinary people get caught in the middle of horrible things. "From all oppression, conspiracy, and rebellion; from violence, battle, and murder; and from dying suddenly and unprepared, Good Lord, deliver us." (Book of Common Prayer)

Stölzel

Meet Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel, the other composer of "Bist du bei mir" from last week's post! Stölzel was a contemporary of J.S. Bach, who borrowed from him in the composition of several of his pieces. Read more about Stölzel and Bach's borrowing below!

Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel (13 January 1690 – 27 November 1749) was a German composer of the Baroque era.

Stölzel was born in Grünstädtel in Saxony on 13 January 1690. His father, organist in Grünstädtel, gave him his first music education. When he was thirteen, he was sent to study in Schneeberg, where he was taught music, including thoroughbass, by cantor Christian Umlaufft, a former student of Johann Kuhnau. A few years later he was admitted to the gymnasium in Gera, where he further practiced music under Emanuel Kegel, the director of the court chapel. Some of his educators took a dim view of music, and tried to divert his attention from it: apart from engaging in poetry and oratory, Stölzel nonetheless continued to develop his interest in music.[2][3][4]

Bist du bei mir

Is it Bach? Is it not Bach? Who is "Stölzel"? It's beautiful either way! Have a listen to this gorgeous recording (possibly my favorite version of this piece) and keep your eyes open for more about Stölzel next week!

Lully was Italian

Dancing on a tight-rope, or how Giovanni Lulli became Jean-Baptiste Lully, survived being on the wrong side of the Fronde, and fell in (and out) of favor with Louis XIV. And yeah... the dude who was famed for having the quintessential "French" style?... was Italian. Read the whole story here!

Robert Parsons

If you know anything about Robert Parsons, it's probably his "Ave Maria" setting. But how about the rest of his life? He survived the reigns of Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I... but still died tragically (and young). Read more below!

Robert Parsons (ca. 1535 – January 1571/2) was an English composer of the Tudor period who was active during the reigns of King Edward VI, Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I. He is noted for his compositions of church music.

Context of Spem

This fantastic video from a few years back does an excellent job putting historical and musical context around Tallis' magnificent "Spem in alium"! Definitely worth the watch to learn more and see the excellent visuals (though I don't think any recording, especially one made from home recordings during covid lockdown, can compete with the incredible experience of hearing or performing this live!