Album insights
Johann Schelle was a notable composer whose works garnered widespread acclaim during his time. Although Johann Kuhnau foresaw a lasting legacy for Schelle's compositions, it only partially came to pass. Schelle's music collection, acquired by the city of Leipzig in 1712, deteriorated over time, with many of his manuscripts becoming unusable by 1723.
The evolving musical tastes of the era saw a shift towards newer compositions and styles, leading to a decline in appreciation for Schelle's work. However, despite this changing landscape, Schelle's compositions found popularity across central and northern Germany, preserving about 60 of his cantatas that enable us to appreciate the admiration of his contemporaries.
Schelle's musical career blossomed early due to his exceptional talent and thorough training. Born in 1648 in Geising, he quickly rose through the musical ranks, assuming the Stadtkantorat in Eilenburg in 1670 before succeeding Sebastian Knüpfer in Leipzig in 1676, a position he held until his passing in 1701.
His Sunday cantata performances at St. Thomas and St. Nikolai churches in Leipzig attracted crowds, as his compositions offered a new, captivating style. Departing from his predecessors' strict polyphony, Schelle embraced a lighter, melodic approach that resonated with audiences, setting him apart in the music scene of the late 17th century.
His works, like the majestic setting of Psalm 103, "Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele," and the intimate piece, "Wohl dem, der den Herren fürchtet," demonstrate his mastery in crafting diverse musical textures and forms, catering to both solo and larger ensemble settings with finesse.
Schelle's profound approach to Kantatas reflects his emphasis on exceptional texts. Setting renowned Kantatendichtungen by David Elias Heidenreich, Schelle produced compositions ranging from intimate solo performances to larger, polyphonic works, showcasing his versatility and dedication to lyrical and musical beauty.
Notable pieces like "Christus, der ist mein Leben" and "Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schar," composed in a period of church song adaptations, attest to Schelle's commitment to presenting uplifting and engaging musical experiences to his audiences, leaving a lasting imprint on the realm of church music.