Andreas Hammerschmidt

Lift up ypur heads, ye gates

'Machet die Tore weit' is perhaps Andreas Hammerschmidt's best-known composition. But it is mainly performed in a form which does not originate from the composer - considerably shortened, with altered part-writing, and less text. Carus is now making this popular piece available for choirs in the composer's more coherent original form.

Influenced by Heinrich Schütz, Andreas Hammerschmidt (1611-1675) and other composers in central Germany wrote sacred vocal compositions with some discreet modern influences. These were widely performed in the late 17th and early 18th century, thanks to their ease of performance and catchy music. And today this music, with its song-like melodies, continues to offer an easy way of approaching 17th century compositions.

The well-known arranged version will continue to be available (Carus 1.007).