Samuel Scheidt was born in Halle, and studied in Amsterdam with Sweelinck.
He also seems to have been influenced by Praetorius.
His double-choir pieces are either based on Lutheran chorales, or written in bold Italian style.
This Easter motet by Scheidt is from his Cantiones Sacrae Octo Vocum, published in Hamburg in 1620.
The Lutheran Easter hymn Christ lag in Todesbanden was set by numerous German 16th and 17th century composers; it has a family resemblance to another important Easter Hymn, Christ is erstanden.
Translation:
The good shepherd has risen, alleluja
who laid down his life for his sheep, alleluja
and for his flock deigned to die, alleluja
(Bernard Thomas)
Related: Christ lag in todesbanden à8 ↣
