Johann Andreas Herbst

• Born: 1588 06
• Died: January 24, 1666
• Genres: Classical

Biography

Herbst's compositions were clearly indicative of the transition from Renaissance to early Baroque music in Germany. He helped to develope and spread the concertato style and was a leader in introducing the basso continuo style. Herbst composed no instrumental music of itself and his vocal works included cantatas, chorales, motets, and psalms. It is possible that Herbst was a student of Hassler who was present in his home city of Nuremberg on an intermitent basis until 1608. This can not be defintively asserted. Herbst held a number of church related positions during his career including Kapellmeister in Butzbach to Landgrave Phillip V, to his brother Ludwig V in Darmstadt, Kapellmeister in Frankfurt am Main, Kapellmeister in Nuremberg where he was able to publish "Musica practica" and "Musica Poetica," finaly returning to Frankfurt. Herbst's most significant works were his theoretical writings, specifically, the "Musica practica" and the "Musica poetica." The former addressed the art of singing, performing vocal decorations, and practical singing exercises for schools -- the first of its kind. The latter included practical rules of counterpoint and instructions for setting texts to music. ~ Keith Johnson, All Music Guide