Search - Johann Hermann Schein, Konrad Junghänel, Cantus Cölln :: Schein: Israels Brünnlein/Opella Nova II [Deutsche Harmonia Mundi]

Tiny Jewel

Douglas N. Hogue | Glendora, CA USA | 10/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Schein is obviously not the revolutionary composer that G. Peri was: nor is he a dramatist in competition with Monteverdi. He was not the joyful instructor like Vivaldi and he did not compete with the greatest musical thinker of all time (J.S.Bach). The liner notes suggested that he was simply a highly regarded composer of his hour, and after hearing these little pieces I can see why. They deeply moved me with their reverence and simple beauty, exactly in tune with other composers of mid 1600's. the performance is plainly wonderful. Each voice is well chosen to enhance the small ensemble. The brass accompaniment and continuo played in perfect balance with the voices and the engineering is impeccable"