Johann Steffens

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Johann Steffens ( also: Stephani; * around 1560 in Itzehoe ; † summer 1616 in Lüneburg ) was a German composer and organist at the North German organ school .

Life

Steffens' father, Heinrich Steffens, was a member of the Itzehoer Council and had his son educated at great expense due to his musical talent. Johann Steffens learned from an organ maker, presumably Hans Scherer the Elder, in Hamburg. In 1589, the Schleswig-Holstein governor, Heinrich Rantzau, recommended Johann Steffens to the Lüneburg Council for a position as organist at the Lambertikirche . Since the Duchess Dorothea von Braunschweig-Lüneburg had better relations with the council and suggested someone else, he was initially not accepted. When the organist position at St. Johannis became vacant, however, a new opportunity arose. After initially provisional assumption of office in 1593, he was finally given the post in 1595.

The fact that he and 54 of the most respected German organ masters took part in the famous appraisal of the new Gröningen organ is testament to Steffens' high reputation . At times he taught so many students that the church leaders were concerned about the good condition of the organ. Steffens stayed in Lüneburg until his death.

plant

Steffens' secular vocal compositions are influenced by Hans Leo Haßler and Italian madrigalists . In 1599 he published a two-part madrigal book, the majority of which have been lost. Another book with secular madrigalia and dance songs followed in 1619. The lyrics are about conviviality, wine, song and closeness to nature.

Various sacred vocal works have also survived. Many of them are eight-part and testify to a confident command of the polyphonic movement.

In contrast to the motets, Steffens' surviving organ works (three chorales ) are comparatively simple. There are also six Paduans and four Gaillards .

literature

Web links

personal data
SURNAME Steffens, Johann
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Stephani, Johann
BRIEF DESCRIPTION German composer and organist
DATE OF BIRTH around 1560
PLACE OF BIRTH Itzehoe
DATE OF DEATH 1616
Place of death Luneburg