Foto: Stadt WeißenfelsHeinrich Schütz House in WeißenfelsThe Heinrich Schütz House is the only residence of the composer that has been preserved in its original state. As the first representative of German Protestant church music, Schütz has strongly influenced the spiritual expression of Protestantism. He spent his childhood in Weißenfels. In 1651, at the age of 65, when he was musical director of the Dresden court and world-famous, he bought a house in the Nicolaistraße 13, where he lived until his death. This stately Renaissance building from the 16th century has largely been preserved in its original state.

Schütz was the musical director of the 100th Reformation anniversary

Heinrich Schütz was neither a contemporary nor a collaborator of Martin Luther. Born in Köstritz in 1585, he was musical director for the grandiose celebration of the 100th Reformation anniversary, due to his position at the court of the Saxon Elector in Dresden. He himself understood his work as proclamation of the Gospel in the church of the Reformation. At his time, he was regarded as the most eminent European composer.

Schütz wrote history, in music as well as in the church, and especially with his "Geistliche Konzerte", motets, expressive Psalm settings and Passions. With his Christmas History (Historia Der Freuden- und Gnadenreichen Geburth Gottes und Marien Sohnes, Jesu Christi, SWV 435) Schütz opened the way towards the development of the German oratorio. The hymn book of the Evangelical Church contains several melodies written by him.

Eminent works were written in the "hermitage" in the attic

Schütz created several of these works in his composer's chamber in the attic of the house in Weißenfels, which he called his "hermitage". Written on the walls of the hermitage was Schütz's motto from Psalm 119: "God, your statutes are my song in my house". Schütz set it to music in his last work, the "Swan's song" (1671).

Since 1985, a museum is housed in the Renaissance building that has been built around 1550. The collection includes early editions of Schütz's works and historical musical instruments. At the moment, the Heinrich Schütz House is in the process of being renovated and converted. It is planned to be re-opened in 2012. Then, the museum will present a new and expanded permanent exhibition, with the newly reconstructed composer's chamber, the "hermitage", at its centre. During the time of construction, visitors can see the interim exhibition "Heinrich Schütz on the road in Europe" in the nearby Prince's house.