Sämtliche Motetten. Werkausgabe. Neue Ausgabe 2014
In the new edition, the collection of 67 motets [Carus 4.100] is expanded by the addition of two three-choir motets and three choral songs; the foreword and Critical Report have been updated, reflecting the latest state of research. “... the most important body of motets between Johann Sebastian Bach and Felix Mendelssohn ...” [Frieder Bernius]. During his lifetime Homilius was regarded as one of the most famous and productive composers of sacred music, but in the 19th century he fell into oblivion. Only now is he being recognised in his role as one of the most important composers of the ‘Empfindsamer’, or sensitive, style. His motets clearly display the compositionalcharacteristics of early classicism: the counterpoint is subordinated to the simple harmonies, the regularly-structured themes follow the ideal of the ‘unity of sentiment’ and of ‘pleasing, natural singing’. The collection contains something for all occasions and every level of difficulty. The informative foreword contains details about the composer’s life and work, together with suggestions for performance practice. A detailed Critical Report completes the edition.