Ptss, The work of Schutz in subject matter in many respects overlaps the sacred vocal works of JS Bach with respect to subject matter, but Schutz's musical style is a world apart from the late high Baroque, as a comparison of, for instance, the Johannes and Mattheus passions, will show. Also, Schutz wrote far less secular music than Bach.
Schutz is not for anyone, so you would be wise to seek out some free exposure to his work prior to purchase. His music moves me deeply. It goes sadly neglected, at least in the US. Every year, in many major US cites, one of the Bach passions is performed during holy week, but I have never heard a single live performance of a Schutz passion. Nor have I heard a single radio broadcast of a live performance.
His music is old and foreign to our years. The scale is intimate. But, for me, it approaches or equals the poignancy of Bach.
Schutz is not for anyone, so you would be wise to seek out some free exposure to his work prior to purchase. His music moves me deeply. It goes sadly neglected, at least in the US. Every year, in many major US cites, one of the Bach passions is performed during holy week, but I have never heard a single live performance of a Schutz passion. Nor have I heard a single radio broadcast of a live performance.
His music is old and foreign to our years. The scale is intimate. But, for me, it approaches or equals the poignancy of Bach.