Christoph Strauss

(c1575 -1631)

Austrian composer and organist, whose family had been for generations in Hapsburg service, He himself served the Imperial court from 1594 as organist, administrator, and from 1617 vice-Kapellmeister; he was dismissed in 1619 and by 1626 had become Kapellmeister at St Stephen's cathedral in Vienna. His church music includes polyphonic pieces and brilliant polychoral Masses with instruments, including a fine Requiem for high and low choirs. His use of word painting proves his acquaintance with the newest Italian music, though his textures are more old-fashioned.


VIB: Clavier, Organ and Lute in the German Baroque  |  VIG: Catholic Church Music in 17th Century Germany