Great works: Schütz's Christmas Story

About this course

The session examines Schütz’s Christmas Story within the Lutheran historia tradition and the development of early German Baroque sacred music. Topics include the work’s liturgical purpose, narrative structure, Evangelist recitative, choruses, instrumental symphonies and the use of timbre to distinguish characters. Teaching combines lecture, questions and answers, guided listening, video and manuscript study. The course also considers Schütz’s Venetian training, performance history, modern editions and contemporary interpretations, with attention to how text-setting and instrumental colour contribute to the work’s expressive effect.

What you'll learn

• Explain the historical, liturgical and stylistic context of Schütz’s Christmas Story
• Identify the work’s narration, choruses, instrumental symphonies and character parts
• Recognise Schütz’s approach to text-setting and expressive recitative
• Analyse how instrumental colour contributes to characterisation and dramatic meaning
• Discuss the work’s significance in the development of German sacred music towards Bach

Is this course right for you?

The course is suitable for learners at all levels and does not require previous musical training. It is intended for participation through listening, lecture, questions and discussion. An interest in early Baroque music, sacred works or the German choral tradition may be useful, but beginners are welcome.

• Lecture and discussion format rather than practical music-making
• Guided listening is a central part of the session
• English translations of the German text are provided

Before you go

• English translations of the German text will be provided
• Spotify and YouTube playlists will be available for optional listening after the session