Johann Steffens/Stephani (1560-1616) was a German
composer and organist of the North German organ
school.
Steffens's father, Heinrich Steffens, was a member of
the Itzehoer Council and had his son trained costly due
to his musical genius. Johann Steffens studied among
others with an organ maker, presumably Hans Scherer the
Elder in Hamburg. In 1589, the governor of
Schleswig-Holstein, Heinrich Rantzau, recommended
Johann Steffens to the Lüneburg Council for an
organist position at the ...(+)
Johann Steffens/Stephani (1560-1616) was a German
composer and organist of the North German organ
school.
Steffens's father, Heinrich Steffens, was a member of
the Itzehoer Council and had his son trained costly due
to his musical genius. Johann Steffens studied among
others with an organ maker, presumably Hans Scherer the
Elder in Hamburg. In 1589, the governor of
Schleswig-Holstein, Heinrich Rantzau, recommended
Johann Steffens to the Lüneburg Council for an
organist position at the Lamberti Church. As the
Duchess Dorothea of
Braunschweig-Lüneburg had better
relations with the Council and suggested someone else,
he was initially not accepted. However, when the
organist post at St. Johannis became free, a new
opportunity arose. After initially provisional
assumption of office in 1593, he was finally in 1595
the position.
Von Steffens' high reputation is demonstrated by the
fact that he participated in the famous review of the
new organ of Gröningen together with 54 of the most
respected German organ masters. At times, he taught so
many students that the church leaders were worried
about preserving the good condition of the organ.
Steffens remained in Lüneburg until his death.
Steffens' secular vocal compositions are influenced by
Hans Leo Haßler and Italian madrigalists . He
published in 1599 a two-part Madrigal book, the pieces
are mostly lost. 1619 was followed by another book of
secular Madrigalia and dance songs. The lyrics deal
with sociability, wine, song and love of nature.
Furthermore, various sacred vocal works are handed
down. Many of them are eight voices and testify to a
sovereign mastery of the polyphonic movement.
In contrast to the motets, Steffens's preserved organ
works (three chorales) are comparatively simple.
Furthermore, six Paduanen and four Gaillarden are
handed down.
Source: Wikipedia
(https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Steffens).
Although originally composed for Choir (SATB) and
Organ, I created this Interpretation of the "Der
Kuckuck hat sich zu Tod gefalln" (The cuckoo has fallen
to her death) for Woodwind Quintet (Flute, Oboe, Bb
Clarinet, French Horn & Bassoon).
