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Harmonia Sacra

An exploration of the profound musical and scholarly contributions of Ludger Stühlmeyer, a distinguished figure in contemporary sacred music and musicology.

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Biography

Early Life and Education

Ludger Stühlmeyer was born on October 3, 1961, in Melle, Germany. Hailing from a lineage of church musicians, his foundational musical training began under the guidance of his father. He further honed his skills through piano and composition studies with Karl Schäfer and received specialized church music education from Karlheinz Höne. His academic pursuits led him to the University of the Arts Bremen and the University of Münster, where he studied Christian music, early music, composition, musicology, philosophy, and theology, culminating in a doctorate from the faculty of philosophy. He received significant scholarships throughout his academic journey.

Family and Heritage

Stühlmeyer's family has a deep connection to music and faith. His grandfather, Heinrich Stühlmeyer, was recognized for his quiet resistance against National Socialism and served for 47 years at St. Peter's in Melle-Gesmold. Ludger succeeded his grandfather in this role in 1980. He is married to Barbara Stühlmeyer, a theologian and musicologist, and they are parents to Lea Stühlmeyer. His brothers, Thomas and Klaus Stühlmeyer, are also involved in theological and diaconal work, respectively.

Career Trajectory

Stühlmeyer's professional career is marked by significant roles in church music and music administration. He served as cantor in Melle before becoming the Diocesan Cantor in the Diocese of Münster in 1988. Since 1994, he has held the positions of City Cantor in Hof and Deanery Cantor for the Deanery of Hochfranken. He also contributes as a tutor at the Archbishop's Church Music Seminar and works within the church music office of the Archdiocese of Bamberg. Since 2003, he has served as the chief editor for the archdiocese's magazine, "Kirchenmusik im Erzbistum Bamberg."

Musical Style and Influences

Artistic Philosophy

Stühlmeyer's compositional style is deeply influenced by figures such as Helge Jung and Karlheinz Stockhausen. His core artistic philosophy centers on transforming auditory experiences into potent mediums of communication. He strives to distill musical essence into seemingly simple forms, aiming to unlock the inherent power of self-referential sounds. This approach seeks to convey profound meaning, encompassing philosophical contemplation and spiritual experience.

Liturgical Music and Gregorian Chant

In his liturgical compositions, Stühlmeyer draws inspiration from the profound relationship between text and music found in Gregorian chant. He views composition as the embodiment of sacred words. His work in this area includes developing a new framework for the reception of the Evangelienkantate (Gospel Cantata) for children within Catholic liturgy, a concept refined through discussions with Bishop Friedrich Ostermann.

Distinctions and Honors

Recognition of Achievement

Ludger Stühlmeyer's significant contributions to music and culture have been recognized through numerous accolades:

  • Certificate of Honour of Bavaria (2005, awarded by State Minister Christa Stevens; 2020, awarded by State Minister Kerstin Schreyer)
  • Johann-Christian-Reinhart-Plakette (2011, the city of Hof's highest cultural award, presented by Mayor Dr. Harald Fichtner)
  • Director of Music ACV (2013, appointed by the General Association of the Cecilian Movement Germany for outstanding artistic and educational achievements)

Selected Publications

Scholarly Works

Stühlmeyer's extensive research and writing explore the intersection of music, theology, and history. His publications include:

  • Die Rolle der Musik in der religiösen Entwicklung der Menschheit... (Diploma thesis, 1986)
  • Überlegungen zu einer Anthropologie des Hörens... (Article, 2002)
  • In vielen Sprachen und Tönen. Ein Streifzug durch 1000 Jahre Musik (Article, 2006)
  • Stationen der Kirchenmusik im Erzbistum Bamberg (2007)
  • Curia sonans. Die Musikgeschichte der Stadt Hof... (Doctoral dissertation, 2010)
  • Das Leben singen. Christliche Lieder und ihr Ursprung (Co-authored with Barbara Stühlmeyer, 2011)
  • Das Ohr am Puls der Zeit – der Klosterkomponist Johann Valentin Rathgeber (Article, 2012)
  • Bernhard Lichtenberg. Ich werde meinem Gewissen folgen (Co-authored with Barbara Stühlmeyer, 2013)
  • Nikolaus Decius – ein Kirchenlieddichter aus Hochfranken (Article, 2013)
  • Klangrede: Sonnengesang des Franziskus – Echo oder Leitmelodie? (Chapter in edited volume, 2018)
  • Valentin Rathgeber. Leben und Werk (2016)
  • Wie Komponisten den Glauben zum Klingen bringen... (Article, 2016)
  • Konfessionalität und Ökumenizität – Kirchenmusik gestern und heute (Chapter, 2016)
  • Auf den Bühnen des Mittelalters Zuhause (Article, 2017)
  • Zwischen Magie und Zeitmanagement – die Glocken (Article, 2020)

Selected Compositions

Vocal and Instrumental Works

Stühlmeyer's compositional output spans various genres, often integrating sacred texts and themes with contemporary musical language. Notable works include:

  • Mache dich auf, werde licht (1989) - Advent cantata for children's choir and instruments.
  • Die Legende von den drei weisen Königen (1998) - For children's choir and piano/organ, text by Rolf Krenzer.
  • Wer glaubt kann widerstehn (1999) - Bernhard Lichtenberg-Cantata for soloists, choir, and instruments.
  • Quatre pièces pour Orgue (2001) - Four organ pieces reflecting Romantic, Expressionist, Impressionist, and Baroque styles.
  • Wir bauen unsre Kirche neu (2002) - For solo voice, choir, instruments, and piano/organ, text by Rolf Krenzer.
  • Atme in mir (2002) - For solo voice and organ, text based on Augustine of Hippo.
  • Veni Creator Spiritus (2011) - Motet for choir SATB, text by Rabanus Maurus.
  • Johannes-Passion (2014) - Passion setting for choir, soloists, and instruments.
  • Klangrede – Sonnengesang des Franziskus (2015) - For choir SATB and instruments, dedicated to Pope Francis.
  • Atem Gottes hauch mich an (2013) - For solo voice and piano/organ, text by Dorothee Sölle.
  • Zum Engel der letzten Stunde (2013) - For alto voice, violin, and organ, text by Jean Paul.
  • Super flumina Babylonis (2019) - Fantasia for organ inspired by Paul Klee.
  • Der Weihnachtsstern (2020) - Symphonic poem commissioned by the Hofer Symphoniker.
  • Zehn Choralfantasien zum Weihnachtsfestkreis (2020) - For solo voice, violin, and organ.
  • Una rosa (2021) - Fantasia for organ.

Discography

Recorded Works

Stühlmeyer's work has been featured on several recordings, showcasing his compositions and performances:

  • Ein Hofer Königspaar. Die Orgeln in St. Marien und St. Michaelis (2012) - Features organ performances and works.
  • Zum Engel der letzten Stunde. Jean Paul – Ludger Stühlmeyer. (2013) - Recording of vocal and instrumental works based on Jean Paul's texts.

References

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References

References

  1.  Biography of Ludger Stühlmeyer
  2.  Quoted after: Bundespräsident Johannes Rau, Berlin in April 2001.
  3.  Die Macht der leisen Töne oder: Ein stiller Held aus Gesmold. Heimatverein Gesmold (Hg.), no. 134, March 2010.
  4.  Franz Nieweg, Klaus Rahe, Maria Winkelmann: GESMOLD GESTERN UND HEUTE. In Bildern-Berichten-Gedichten, Gesmold 1986.
  5.  Neue Wege mit Musik. In: Themenhefte 7, Bergmoser + Höller Verlag Aachen 1991, p. 40–41.
  6.  Website: "Amt für Kirchenmusik, Erzbistum Bamberg".
  7.  Kirchenmusik im Erzbistum Bamberg
  8.  http://www.max-baumann-gesellschaft.de/ Website: Max-Baumann-Society
  9.  Website: International Dieterich-Buxtehude-Society
  10.  Personalien. In: Kirchenmusik im Erzbistum Bamberg No. 39, Amt für Kirchenmusik im Erzbistum Bamberg (Hg.), Bamberg 2005, p. 37–38.
  11.  Verleihung der Johann-Christian-Reinhart-Plakette Hof, July 15th 2011.
  12.  Bernhard Kuhn: Seit 40 Jahren Musik zu Ehren Gottes. In: Frankenpost, Hof, Juli 1st 2020.
  13.  Botschafter unserer Heimat. In: Heinrichsblatt, Katholische Wochenzeitung des Erzbistums Bamberg No. 28, Bamberg, Juli 12th 2020.
  14.  Puer natus, Gott wird Mensch
  15.  Klangräume für sakrale Musik unserer Tage schaffen. In: Die Tagespost, October 15, 2015, p. 10 Kultur.
  16.  Sonat-Verlag, Website
  17.  Sonat-Verlag, Website
  18.  Review in the Frankenpost Christoph Plass, December 8, 2012.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Ludger Stühlmeyer Wikipedia page

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