Born: 8 October 1585, Köstritz, Germany
Died: 6 November 1672, Dresden, Germany

Schütz, Heinrich

A central Baroque composer of religious music, in the generation before Bach and Handel. When he was young he sang in a choir, and in adulthood he wrote religious music that included motets and concerti grossi for numerous voices. Schütz also holds a place of honor for writing the first German opera, "Dafne". One may also mention his music to the ballet "Orpheo and Euridice". Schütz wrote a set of madrigals, while he was studying in Venice with Gabrieli, but his religious work is still his most important contribution, including his three Passions, according to the Gospels of St. Matthew, St. Luke and St. John. These passions, written at the age of 80, are considered a main source of influence on J.S. Bach.

Schütz was deeply affected by the music of Monteverdi, whom he traveled to hear in Italy.

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