Layout Table~~~~1600~1600~~

Johann Heinrich Schmelzer~~~~1600~1655~~

Three balletti~It was quite common in 17th-century Vienna for one composer to set the text of an opera and another to write music for the ballets that featured either between the acts or within the action. Among the most popular ballet composers was Schmelzer. These three "ballets" each consist of three movements, and are entitled: Balletto di Done Veggie (sic: old ladies), Balletto di Puffoni (sic: buffoons) and Balletto di Alchimisti (alchemists).

If you would like to see the first page of this edition, click here.~~Score and parts|SCH002.2|Score|SCH002.1|~1600~663~Schmelzer, balletti, ballet, quintet, dance, violin, viola~

Requiem~The first non-Italian Kapellmeister in Vienna, Johann Heinrich Schmelzer is best known nowadays for his virtuosic violin music and his large-scale sonatas. His church music is sadly neglected: this intimate setting of the Requiem text (scored for SATB with a consort four viols and continuo) reveals a composer not only with a great melodic gift and total command of harmony, but also one capable of moving his listeners. The very opening is a real tear-jerker. The piece may have been written for one of the Holy Roman Emperors, or it may, in fact, be the Requiem he is known to have written for his father.

Click here to see the first page of the score.~~Six scores and parts|SCH001.2|Score|SCH001.1|~1600~327~Schmelzer, satb, soprano, alto, tenor, bass, viola~

Sonata Natalitia~The surviving parts for this colourful sonata are dated 1675. There are three choirs: one of strings, one of double reeds (called "Piffari et Fagotto") that has an extended pastoral section at the heart of the piece, and one of either two recorders or cornetti mutti and three trombones.

Click here to see the first page.~~Score and parts|SCH003.2|Score|SCH003.1|~1600~1161~Schmelzer, Sonata, violin, viola, oboe, bass, basoon, recorder, trombone,~

Serenata con altre ariae~This set of slightly odd dances and character pieces is typical of 17th-century Austrian chamber music. Even the opening (click here to see the first page) with its long gaps might suggest its suitability for choreography?~~Score and parts|SCH018.2|Score|SCH018.1|~1600~2342~schmelzer, serenata, dances~

O Jesu summa charitas~Click here to see the first page of the score of this fine piece, which sets a free poetic text that invokes the support and love of Christ.~~Five scores and parts|SCH019.2|Score|SCH019.1|~1600~2314~schmelzer, motet, satb~

Inquietum est cor meum~The opening text of this fine motet is from St Augustine's confessions. Four solo voices are joined by a ripieno group and a string band of violin, three violette and continuo.

To see the opening bars, click here.~~Five scores and parts|SCH020.2|Score|SCH020.1|~1600~2315~schmelzer, motet, satb~

Hodie lux tua~This motet for four solo voices, ripieno group and strings sets a text in praise of a martyr.

Click here to see the opening sonata.~~Five scores and parts|SCH021.2|Score|SCH021.1|~1600~2316~schmelzer, motet, satb~

Missa Peregrina~The second volume in our series The Viennese mass, this fine setting by Schmelzer is scored for SATB solo and tutti, five-part wind, six-part strings and continuo. Written in honour of St Roche, each of the five sections of the mass text is set as a patchwork of solos, duets and choruses with various combinations of instrumental colour.

To see the opening, click here.

The performing set consists of two full scores, four vocal scores and all the instrumental parts. Additional vocal scores can also be ordered.
~~Performing set|SCH023.2|Score|SCH023.1|Vocal score|SCH023.X|~1600~2881~mass, vienna, satb, cornett, cornetti~

Sonata a 7 flauti~This is one of Schmelzer's most jolly pieces. The interplay between two groups of high and low recorders throughout the sonata's three sections, and the clever alternation between counterpoint and chordal writing show a composer at his peak. >>>~~Score and parts|SCH024.2|Score|SCH024.1|~1600~3004~recorder, schmelzer, vienna, austria~

Sonata a 6~This short work is in three sections and showcases a violinist above a consort of five "violas" and continuo - although one of the surviving parts says "bracc[ia]", the piece will be equally successful with viols. >>>~~Score and parts|SCH026.2|Score|SCH026.1|~1600~3011~violin, viola, consort~