Musicatlas
Music
Life
Heinrich Schütz is without doubt one of the great German composers. He was born in a well-to-do family, and like his brothers was destined to become a trader and lawyer. However, Count Moritz of Hessen discovered his musical talents, and it was he who also financed Heinrich’s study with Giovanni Gabrieli in Venice. He brought with him the Italian music style. Back in Germany he worked as a court organist in Kassel, where he soon became very famous. In 1617 Schütz became "Kapellmeister" at the court of Johann Georg I of Saksen. After that he also worked at the courts of Wolfenbüttel, Zeitz, Halle, Gera and Hamburg). For two periods of time (1633–1635 and 1642–1644) he also worked in Copenhagen, where fled to hide from the horrors 30-year War.
Schütz became very old: 87 year. Till his death he was productive as a composer. In fact, he wanted to retire at 60, but because of his popularity (they called him the Father of German Music), his master Johann Georg I would not let him go. Even successor Johann Georg II asked him to be present with his music on festive days.