Michael Praetorius: Motets from Polyhymnia Caduceatrix et Panegyrica

Workshop for voices and instruments (A=440) with Tutor David Hatcher in Selly Oak.

In 1619, Two years before his death, Praetorius published the Polyhymnia Caduceatrix et Panegyrica – 40 choral concerts or motets in the Italian style, modelled on works by Giovanni Gabrieli and Monteverdi. The basis of these works was Protestant hymns with instruments supporting the groups of singers. In this new style the instruments, with a basso continuo (consisting of organ, lute, theorbo, etc), became more important – adding interludes and symphonies. These “concerts composed in many kinds and manners” were performed at various gatherings and “filled with all sorts of musical instruments and human voices, including trumpets and army timpani; with voices in 2 to 6 choirs”.

David Hatcher is well known to many of us from previous workshops and courses and is in great demand as a tutor. He is an exceptional performer on a wide range of early instruments and has played and recorded with numerous period ensembles both in this country and abroad.