Motets for the entire church year

Many earlier generations of choir conductors are still familiar with the three-volume choral conducting school by Kurt Thomas (1904-1973). His equally important work as a composer is only being rediscovered today. And anyone reflecting on the development of sacred choral music in the 20th century cannot ignore the central importance of his work. Advised by Reger interpreter Karl Straube, he composed his most important works at an age when composers were still searching for their way, and his success spread far beyond Germany. After teaching in Berlin, Frankfurt/Main and Detmold, he was appointed Thomaskantor in Leipzig in 1957.

Breitkopf & Härtel recently published his Short sacred choral music op. 25, a collection of 20 motets covering the entire church year including some special church occasions. Most of the motets are composed for four-part a cappella choir, but some also include organ, violin, flute or a soprano soloist. The exact instrumentation is usually left open, as Kurt Thomas as cantor was aware of the different local conditions. However, frequent double and even triple divisions in the choir require a corresponding number of singers. The frequently quoted Luther chorales appear in the form of a cantus firmus or in unison, which can also be used as an opportunity for congregational participation in the liturgical setting. Performance in concert is also conceivable in order to emphasize the variety and exciting contrasts of this music. The new edition brings together the previous individual editions in an easy-to-read, beautifully set score and is a really worthwhile addition to the repertoire.

Kurt Thomas: Kleine Geistliche Chormusik for soprano, baritone ad lib. and four- to eight-part choir a cappella or with two violins, flute and organ, CHB 5344, €19.50, Breitkopf & Härtel, Wiesbaden