Heinrich Faber (Composer, Music Theorist)

Born: before 1500 - Lichtenfels, Bavaria, Germany
Died: February 26, 1552 - Oelsnitz, Saxony, Germany

Heinrich (Magister Henricus Faber) Faber was a German music theorist, composer, and Kantor. He was employed as a singer by Christian II of Denmark in Copenhagen, from 1515 to 1524. He studied at Wittenberg University in 1542. He was rector of the monastery school at Naumburg, from whence he was expelled in 1549 for writing derisive songs against the Pope. In 1551 he was lecturer on music at Wittenberg University, and thence went to Oelsnitz as rector of the school.

Heinrich Faber is known for several theoretical works, and for his beginners' textbook Compendiolum musicae of 1548, which was the most popular book in Lutheran schools during the 16^th and 17^th centuries. This book appeared in numerous editions and translations between 1552 and 1665 (some undated), and is today an important source of two-voice compositions of the period. Another important book by him is Ad musicam practicam introductio from 1550, with several editions between 1550 and 1571 (Riemann).

The Heinrich-Faber Musikschule Lichtenfels is named after him.

Works

Compendiolum musicae (1548)
Ad musicam practicam introductio (1550)

Source: Wikipedia Website; Grove’s Dictionary of Music and Musicians (1952 Edition)
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (April 2006)

Use of Chorale Melodies in his works

Title

Chorale Melody

Year

Komm, heiliger Geist for 5 voices

Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott

Links to other Sites

Heinrich Faber (Wikipedia)
Heinrich Faber (Absolute Astronomy)

Bibliography