To the most revered and accomplished Maestro Girolamo Frescobaldi,
City of Florence
It is with the utmost presumption that I write to you. All the world knows of your skill, of your art, of your place as the musical jewel in the setting of Florence and the court of the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Against your demonstrated skill, sir, my efforts do seem feeble indeed. But, nonetheless, I write to you as a fellow musician, presuming upon a recent acquaintance which we have in common, that is, Maestro Giacomo Carissimi.
I, having known of the young maestro's renown for some time, was recently provided the privilege of meeting him in flesh and truth in the midst of the most unusual habitation of Grantville. It was from him that I learned that you had paid a brief visit to Grantville while you were traveling to Magdeburg at the invitation of the royal family of Sweden to perform a selection of your excellent toccatas for harpsichord. It distressed me greatly to learn that you had been so near and I knew it not, for I would have borne any hardship to come to your presence, shake your hand, and discuss with you your very intriguing thoughts and theories upon the proper performance and notation of tempi in your published works.
Alas, I was at the time serving at the court of the Crown Prince of Denmark, so you will perceive the difficulty of learning of your presence. I have since left the prince's employ, and such news had not arrived at the court before I left. I am "at loose ends", as the Grantvillers would say. A curiously brusque and hasty folk they might be, but their epigrams and figures of speech do strike the ear in a notable way that is most memorable.
Much the poorer for not having had the opportunity to hear you perform your finest works, and for not having had the opportunity to converse directly with you, I find myself writing to you because I most emphatically desire to hear your thoughts, opinions and theories concerning the music that has been found in Grantville. I am intrigued and disturbed at the same time, and truly wish to hear your perceptions and learn from your wisdom. If you could find the kindness to respond to my poor missive, I will be among the most grateful of men.
With the greatest of respect,
I am your most humble servant and admirer.
Heinrich Schutz
11 day of April, 1634
Grantville
To Frau Euphrosine Biegerin verw. Schutz
In Weissenfels
Dearest Mother
Enclosed find a small sum that I have been able to save for the provision of young Anna Justina and Euphrosine, along with scarves for them and yourself.
The provenance of the scarves is Grantville, so judge for yourself whether they can be worn or must be preserved. I found the bright colors and smooth finish to be most attractive. They are made of something called nylon. I have yet to determine exactly what beast or plant nylon is derived from, but it almost rivals silk in its lightness. I have been in Grantville for several days now, and it is a remarkable place, yet not so remarkable as the rumors perhaps would have it be. I have, however, discovered some most amazing music here.
I assume you received my letter where I informed you of my decision to leave the employ of Elector John George. I would not speak ill of my former employer, but it is a well known fact that his love of splendor is exceeded only by his tight grasp on those few coins that should have been paid to those who support him.
I was for some time after that in the employ of the Crown Prince of Denmark. I have left that position as well, and at the moment am not provided for anywhere, except for a small stipend provided by something called the Royal and Imperial Arts Council in Magdeburg, where I shall be going soon. I have hopes of finding some type of position with the royal family of Sweden, perhaps through the offices of this Imperial Arts Council. King Gustav does have a better reputation for paying those who serve him.
I will remain in Grantville for some little time yet before I go to Magdeburg, so you can write to me here if you will do so soon; else send your missive to Magdeburg.
Tell Anna Justina and Euphrosine that their father loves them, and that I hope to come to visit soon.
Your dutiful son.
Heinrich
12 day of April, 1634, Gregorian style
Grantville
To the most revered and accomplished Maestro Girolamo Frescobaldi,
City of Florence
Maestro
I thank you for your swift response to my previous letter. By some serendipity or grace of God, it was received in less than three weeks after you wrote it.
I am flattered by your taking the time to write to me with your own hand. Yes, I am the same Schutz who studied with both Maestros Gabrieli and Monteverdi, so it seems that we have more acquaintances in common than Maestro Carissimi.
During the time between the sending of my first letter and my receiving of your letter yesterday, I confess to suffering a spiritual crisis caused by hearing music supposedly written by me in 1647. I spent several days in a most crazed state of mind, and was brought back to my wits only by conversation with a most learned and compassionate pastor, Johann Rothmaler.
As a result of my experiences, however, I am more convinced than ever that the music of Grantville must be studied and made known. Whether Grantville did indeed come from the future, as the inhabitants claim, or whether it is a whole new creation of God, I care not. Let others debate the theology and philosophy, the sciences and mechanics, the language and the behavior. We should learn their music, which is like nothing I have ever seen or heard.
Again I request your wisdom and knowledge be shared with me, that I may properly judge what I hear. I leave soon for Magdeburg. If you find it within your grace to write to me again, send it thence.
With great respect,
Your most humble servant and admirer.
Heinrich Schutz
26 day of May, 1634
Grantville
To Frau Euphrosine Biegerin verw. Schutz
In Weissenfels
Mother
This is a short note to tell you quickly what is happening. Since my previous letter, I have been ill, but am better now. Young Lucas Amsel, whom I am sure you recall from my last visit, has been tending me as well as ever you would wish.
I did receive your last letter, as I have not left Grantville yet. I am pleased that you and the girls like your gifts. Take care that you do not tend them with a hot iron; I have learned that great heat can ruin the nylon, which I have still not learned where it comes from. Too many other things on my mind, I am afraid.
I have not forgotten the ladies in my life. Enclosed are two garments for the girls, of the style called 't-shirts' by the Grantvillers. I confess that I do not know the meaning of the English phrase "Drama Queen" which is in some strange manner embossed upon the shirts, but these were much to be preferred than the ones upon which I saw a creature called "Pok-E-Mon." Although the Grantville children laugh about it, I fear that the pastors of Weissenfels would not so readily accept something that appeared so demonic.
Enclosed for you is a simple brooch. I am assured that the metal is a silver alloy, and that the green stones in the circle are glass, so there is not a great deal of value to it. You are safe to wear it as you choose. Knowing your delight in things that are green, I could not pass it up when I saw it. Remind me to tell you some time of the Grantville custom of 'garage sales.'
I will be traveling to Magdeburg on the morrow. When next you write to me, address the letter there, if you will.
With much love,
Your dutiful son.
Heinrich
27 day of May, 1634, Gregorian style
Grantville
To Frau Amber Higham
In Grantville
Frau Amber
Behold, I am so bold to write to you without first ascertaining as to whether such correspondence would be welcome to you. I much presume upon your grace, which you have shared with me many times in the last weeks of my stay in Grantville. Thank you for your kindness. I also thank you for the basket of food you provided for our trip to Magdeburg. The ham sandwiches and the deviled eggs-which should be called angelic, instead-lasted through two days of the trip, after which we were forced to rely on local food acquired from taverns and farms along the way. Before the very throne of God I would testify that your food was superior!
Signor Andrea Abati proved to be a most engaging traveling companion, other than he arises in entirely too cheerful a frame of mind each morning. I, on the other hand, with the wisdom gathered along with my gray hairs (all twenty of them), know that mornings are a time when strength must be conserved, in order to be at one's best later in the day-particularly if one has had one too many cups of wine the night before. Such wisdom made no impression upon the good signor, however. His store of jokes and scurrilous Latin songs is seemingly inexhaustible. The popish influence, no doubt. But by the end of the trip, all he had to do was say "Did you hear the one about the cardinal…" and Lucas and I would start chuckling. Even Blume the horse would swivel his ears around when Signor Andrea spoke. The man's voice is seductively attractive, I will admit.
Lucas and I have found a place here in Magdeburg, and we are keeping busy by attending the various rehearsals in which my musicians are involved. I still think of them as mine, although most of them now seem to have accepted young Franz Sylwester as their leader. That young man impresses me. His fervency and dedication to his art is undeniable, and his ability to draw others in his train cannot be denied. Fifty or more string players from all over the Germanies, and he has all but welded them into a single being. I have not seen the like in all of my experience. Though I am almost twice his age, with perhaps my best years behind me, I admit to some form of jealousy to see my own players look to him with such dedication. It is unworthy of me, I know, but then I never admitted to being a saint.
And now, lest I squander the courage I have spent the last several days mustering, I must be even more shamelessly bold and tell you that I greatly desire your presence and company for the day of the first symphony concert. That will be the third of July by the new calendar, the so-called Gregorian. I will pay your way and find respectable lodging for you, of course. If you are unable to attend, I will understand, but I would be among the happiest of men if you would grace my life with your presence for those few days.
With the greatest of respect and sincerity,
Your most humble servant.
Heinrich Schutz
7 day of June, 1634
Magdeburg
To Frau Euphrosine Biegerin verw. Schutz
In Weissenfels
Honored Mother
Your most recent letter has found me in Magdeburg. Thank you for your news of the health of Anna Justina and Euphrosine. As I have told you many times, your ability and willingness to take them to your bosom and rear them in my Magdalena's place has been a gift as from God. The court at Dresden is no place for young girls to be left without a mother, and the court in Denmark is even worse. Knowing that they are safe in your arms has enabled me to sleep at night with some degree of peace. I am sorry that I have been unable to consistently provide more for their support. I still have hopes that the Emperor, Gustav Adolf, will find some position for me. The fact that I was once the Kappellmeister for the Elector of Saxony may carry some weight. It is said that the emperor derives great satisfaction in taking away everything that once belonged to the elector.
I am sorry that my warning about the hot iron did not reach you in time. Perhaps you can salvage part of your scarf as a small kerchief, or such like. I will try to find another, but since I am now in Magdeburg, it may not be possible for me to replace it.
The music that I have seen in Grantville still continues to astonish me. Preparations are under way to have a grand performance here in Magdeburg of many wonderful works from the future. And yes, I have finally accepted that they are from the future-or perhaps a future. In any event, over fifty strings will be participating in a grand performance. That is more players than I was ever been able to bring together, given the elector's parsimony. I so look forward to hearing this event.
Tell Anna Justina that I said she cannot wear the t-shirt to church or to school. It is only to be worn at home, or under other clothing if she goes out. And if she acts in a contrary manner, remind her that what I have given, I can also take away.
I still have hopes of coming to visit, but I cannot tell you when. Please take care of yourself.
With all respect,
Your loving son.
Heinrich
22 day of June, 1634
Magdeburg
To Frau Amber Higham
In Grantville
Frau Amber
Your missive has arrived, containing your acceptance of my invitation. I was so certain that you would be unwilling or unable to come that I made Lucas open it and read it for me. When he announced that you were indeed planning to come, I grabbed the letter out of his hands to see for myself that he had made no mistake. You have made an old fool glad.
No, you have chastised me that I cannot call myself old. And by the standards of Grantville, I am not, it is true. Yet I have felt old for so long, for the eternity that has been the nine years since the death of Magdalena, mother of my daughters. There has been so little joy or happiness to interrupt the tedium of my life that I have felt as if I were some ancient covered in the dust of the grave who simply had not had the sense to lie down in the tomb.
When I fell ill, with my mind all crazed and wit-loose, one of the reasons I did so was that I read the vita brevis of my life in the great encyclopedia, which indicated that in your world that was I had lived almost another forty years. The thought of spending that much more time in the darkness of the past nine years was almost more than I could stand. I thank God for the wisdom of Pastor Rothmaler, who drew me from the maze in which I was lost.
But although the good pastor drew me from the maze, it was your visits, more than any, which encouraged me and gave me light. I will boldly say it now, that although I would never be foolish enough to compare one woman to another, in this one thing you and my poor Magdalena are alike: that you can by the grace of your own life lift up those who stumble and fall under the burden that life sometimes becomes.
I will send this letter by way of one who will ride the train for the army, in the hopes that you will receive it in but a few days. You have said that you will arrive in Magdeburg on the first day of July. Unless you somehow advise me differently, I will look for you then.
With the greatest of boldness I am
Your most affectionate servant.
Heinrich Schutz
23 day of June, 1634
Magdeburg
To Frau Euphrosine Biegerin verw. Schutz
In Weissenfels
Dearest Mother
Your letter has arrived, but before I can answer it I must tell you the most wonderful news. Four days ago, after the grand concert I told you about in my last letter, Princess Kristina, daughter and sole heir of the Emperor Gustav Adolf, King of Sweden, told me that her father desired me to become the Kappellmeister of the court in Magdeburg. It was such a great shock, after months of hoping, that I stuttered and told them that I would think about it. Fortunately, my thoughts required only a few moments, and I quickly returned to her and accepted the royal offer with great thanks.
My young friend, Maestro Giacomo Carissimi, has at the same time been named to become the head master of the newly established Royal Academy of Music, to be founded and built here in Magdeburg. It is to be a school of music based on the model of what the Grantvillers call a conservatory. I do not envy him the challenge.
My responsibilities are to provide music for the royal court when it is present; to support the symphony orchestra, the grand assemblage of strings that I mentioned in my last letter; to assist Maestro Giacomo if he desires my presence or help; and to otherwise do what I can to spread the knowledge of up-time music, the music brought back from the future in Grantville. That alone is a challenge that will require the rest of my life.
I have already received the first portion of my stipend, and enclosed is a portion of it for the support of the girls. If they are growing as quickly as you say, then I am certain that they need new shoes, at the very least, if not new clothing of all types. Let me know what other needs exist, for I am now in a position to provide more than I have in the past. The emperor was most generous in the amount of the stipend, as well as providing quarters in the palace for the near future. Lucas and I are very well provided for.
Tell Euphrosine that Blume now has a stall of his own in the royal stables, and is very well cared for indeed. He has become a favorite of the stable boys, and will without a doubt become spoiled, fat and lazy if Lucas does not arrange for constant exercise.
I know that you grieved over the death of Magdalena, Mother, almost as much as I did. And I also know that you have tried to tell me again and again that such things happen; it should not be the end of the world or of my life. For long I did not understand what you said; indeed, I grew angry at times that you had said it. Be glad to know, then, that I have at long last emerged from the valley of the shadow of death. I embrace life now, rather than endure it. I will write more on that later.
With all love,
Your son.
Heinrich
7 day of July, 1634
Magdeburg
To Frau Amber Higham
In Grantville
My dear Amber
It is with relief that I welcome the news that you have arrived in Grantville safely and in good health. My sleep has been disrupted with visions of your rail carriage being involved in some catastrophe-fifteen miles an hour is a totally insane speed of travel. Now that you have completed your journey, my heart and mind can be at rest.
I thank you with all my heart for coming to Magdeburg. The three days I spent in your company have been some of the happiest of my life; or at least of my recent life. The joy of my new position in life was made even greater because you were present to hear the announcement and share it with me.
You observed the reluctance I had for your leaving. Well I know that you have responsibilities in Grantville that you must fulfill, so I did not try to hold you, or at least not greatly. It did surprise me, however, just how much of a void I have felt in my life the last few days.
I have therefore attempted to throw myself at my new work. My duties are still somewhat undefined, but I do know that I will be responsible for music for the court when it is in session, as well as promoting the up-time musical knowledge to be found in Grantville. To that end, I am already dwelling upon which means or several means to use to do so. I may need recommendations from you or Master Weller if I determine there is a need to contact a Grantville attorney.
Behold how selfish I am, that no sooner have you left Magdeburg than I am already asking you to return when you can. There must doubtless be some time ere long at which you can spare some days to travel here and shine some light in the lives of myself and Lucas. Not forgetting Blume, who misses the way you scratched around his ears. Every time Lucas goes to check on him, he reports that Blume seems most disappointed you did not come with him.
With greatest affection, I am
Your obedient servant.
Heinrich Schutz
9 day of July, 1634
Magdeburg
To Frau Euphrosine Biegerin verw. Schutz
In Weissenfels
Mother
The news provided in your most recent letter both distresses and angers me. That Anna Justina has become such a trial so quickly is out of reason, and her demands of you are intolerable. She has obviously come under someone's influence, and it would be well for us if you can determine who it is.
You have my authority, of course, to apply the rod if you deem it necessary. She is but thirteen, and is not beyond the age where her bottom cannot be warmed enough to prevent her sitting comfortably for a day, or even two.
You may tell her from me that we are not a family of the Hoch-Adel , that silver groschen do not drip from my fingertips, and that she will not get an ermine hand warmer, a hat with a peacock feather, thread of gold ribbons, or any other such nonsense. She will be dressed soberly and sensibly as long as she lives under my provision.
It sorrows me that you must deal with this. I leave it to your judgment as to whether I should come to Weissenfels to address her.
With love,
Your son.
Heinrich
12 day of July, 1634
Magdeburg
To the most renowned Maestro Girolamo Frescobaldi,
City of Florence
Maestro
Just as the vagaries of chance allowed your previous missive to find me in three weeks, your most recent letter has just arrived, some two months after you signed it. I look forward to the spreading of the postal services that I am hearing about, where letters will travel at such speed as to arrive at their destinations within two weeks of their being written.
Maestro, your letter concerns me. I had hoped to receive a balanced judgment of the music available in the libraries of Grantville, music from a time far advanced over ours. Your musical knowledge is regarded so highly, that I felt you would be one of the best sources of such a judgment. It sorrows me that you feel you were treated shabbily at the hands of the Americans. I have met most of the people you mention, I have come to know and admire them, and I tell you that it was not their intent to denigrate you in any manner. Although I have been unable to meet with Frau Mary Simpson, the patroness who brought you to Magdeburg for that concert last December, I am assured that she has only the highest respect for you.
In particular, maestro, Frau Marla Linder-who is now married to young Franz Sylwester, the violinist who accompanied her in one of her songs-is much more than you describe. Your depiction of her as one who would tear you down in order to build herself up is, I am afraid, based more on your anger than on the events of that evening. I find her to be a young woman of grace beyond her years, who would in no way have ever desired to harm you or your reputation. Indeed, she respects you greatly, both for your work and for the ways in which your work helped shape the future of music as the Grantvillers know the art.
As to your charge that there should be no place for her or her kind, allow me to say that even in the Germanies we have heard of Francesca Caccini, La Cecchina, who is the songbird in the court of the Medicis. Young Marla bids fair to be another such as the renowned Signora Caccini. Even now her repute is growing.
I beg you to set aside your antipathy with the people, maestro, and consider the music. What is your judgment of the music of Grantville?
With great respect,
Your most humble servant.
Heinrich Schutz
2 day of August, 1634
Magdeburg
To Frau Euphrosine Biegerin verw. Schutz
In Weissenfels
Dear Mother
It is good to hear that Anna Justina has ceased to be so contentious. On the other hand, it provides no surprise that you were forced to use the rod. She is my daughter, after all, and I do seem to recall some occasions in my early years where my own stubbornness-yes, I admit to it-caused painful corrections to be applied to my own posterior. We should thank God, by all means, that Euphrosine the Younger seems to have inherited the mild temperament of our good Magdalena. It is to be hoped that she will be a calming influence on the family and on her older sister in particular. If not, recalling my own youth, I foresee stormy times ahead.
Enclosed are a few silver pfennigs to be used to provide for the girls. Tell them that their father loves them. I still hope to come to Weissenfels soon.
With love,
Your son.
Heinrich
4 day of August, 1634
Magdeburg
To Frau Amber Higham
In Grantville
Dearest Amber
Behold me, acting like the veriest lovesick swain. I wait each day for the arrival of a letter, and if none appears, I mope and pout. Pens are broken, pages are crumpled and tossed aside, furniture is kicked. Indeed, I leave a very trail of destruction in my wake. Young Lucas bears the brunt of my ill humors, and will no doubt testify to my behavior.
But today, today your letter appeared. It is as if the sun has broken through the clouds, illuminating what had been shadowed.
Dearheart. To read that written in your own hand sends a wave of feeling through me. You have remonstrated with me before that I am neither old nor a fool, but I know not what else to call myself, feeling as I did when as a youth I first stole a kiss from the daughter of my father's friend. I am giddy, and people make jokes of old men acting as they did when they were but youths. But at the advanced age of 49, I have decided I no longer care what people think. You are my dearheart, my own, and that is sufficient. God is good, to bring we two together, and I daily provide Him thanks for that grace. And grace it most certainly is, for I have certainly done nothing to merit it.
Please provide my thanks to Master Weller. The documents concerning the foundation of the Grantville Music Trust have arrived, and for the most part have proven to be both reasonable and satisfactory. Those of us here in Magdeburg have but a few observations and recommendations to make concerning emendations. Without a doubt, they will be on their way to Master Weller before too many more days have passed.
Frau Marla says to say Hi to you from her. Her observation of the proposed work of the Grantville Music Trust is that the work should ordinarily be ordered by the medium in use. The tapes should be notated first, then the LPs, whatever they are. She is concerned about deterioration, if I understand her correctly. Only after those are done should someone begin working the CDs-which I have heard, and are indeed a marvel. I hope that the knowledge and skills to make those have been preserved. It would be a grievous loss indeed if they cannot be carried forward. Please convey these thoughts to Master Weller and the others involved in Grantville.
Also, please make my thanks known to young Thomas Schwarzberg for the work he has been doing. I trust that he has been training others to also notate the music from the recordings. The trust will need more than one person to do this work. It is not that young Schwarzberg is less than adequate; indeed, he has proven to be a most worthy amanuensis for the future. But I find that I want to hear music from his pen and heart, inspired by his muse; music that only he with his experiences of the last year or more can write. Give him that charge from me, if you will.
I still hunger to see your face again, and hope that you can find some way to come to Magdeburg again soon, even if it is only for a day or two. A small bit of bread can keep a man alive for a long time, and so I find in glimpses of you the very life that I need.
With devotion, I am
Your humble servant.
Heinrich
7 day of August, 1634
Magdeburg
To Frau Amber Higham
In Grantville
My Dear Amber
Once again I am lifted to the heights upon receiving your most recent letter. I think that it would not even matter what you wrote; that you could copy verses from the Bible or passages from the great encyclopedia, for the mere sight of your hand on the page fills my heart with joy.
It is good to hear that things continue to be well with you. We are well here, of course. The musicians have for the most part embarked upon a performance of the great oratorio, Messiah, by one Georg Friederich Handel. Frau Marla has commissioned the printing of the music by a local printer.
Printers tend to either be arrogant or seditious. This family has managed to be both. The father, one Agamemnon Zopff, takes bombast to its utmost, perhaps to match that of Falstaff in your beloved Shakespeare. The younger son, Telemachus, I hear has ties to the Committees of Correspondence. It is fortunate that the older son, Patroclus, seems to be a man of good sense.
I cannot tell you the joy that is mine to hear that you will be able to come to Magdeburg in October, even if it is but for a few days to consult with Frau Haygood about the new school. Not all your time will be consumed with that responsibility, and I trust that there will be time for the two of us.
Until then, my dearheart.
Your devoted servant.
Heinrich
2 day of September, 1634
Magdeburg
To Frau Euphrosine Biegerin verw. Schutz
In Weissenfels
Honored Mother
I have such good news to share with you and Anna Justina and Euphrosine. I am to be married! I am at this moment delirious with joy, but I must calm myself and attempt to answer the questions I know you all will have.
Her name is Frau Amber Higham. Her surname is pronounced hei-am. She is, as you may have already assumed from her very name, a Grantviller, one from the future. How do I describe her to you? I will attempt it, but it will no doubt be a poor reflection of the reality.
She is tall, as most Grantvillers are, not slender, but neither is she corpulent. Her hair is a brown color, not as short as many Grantville women wear theirs, but not as long as yours is, either. She wears hers trimmed to her shoulders and brushed back from her face. There are wings of silver in her hair at the temples.
I never before realized how difficult it is to describe someone else so that you can see them. I persevere.
Her mouth is wide, her eyes are brown, and she has the most engaging laughter, which sounds often. Indeed, her sense of humor is lively.
As with many of the Grantvillers, she is a well-educated woman, at a level that would equal a university degree in our time. She has been teaching, but her muse is the theatre.
She is a mature woman-indeed, some years older than myself-and a most gracious woman as well, yet one who is also filled with the wisdom of having lived over fifty years. You need not worry as to her ability to withstand my stubbornness. She is capable of making even me see reason.
We will be married in December here in Magdeburg. I would that you and the girls come to be a part of it, and to stay during the holidays. Afterward, Frau Amber and I are in agreement that Anna Justina and Euphrosine should come to live with us, to make a family. I have been without my daughters for too long. They have grown up without a mother, and with little evidence of a father as well. It is time that they join me, or I should say, us.
Lest you be concerned about the girls, mother, let me assure you that this is as much Frau Amber's desire as it is mine. And they will be well provided for here. There is a school for girls here in Magdeburg, the Duchess Elisabeth Sofie Secondary School for Girls. I will enroll them there, where they will be taught by some of the finest of both the Grantvillers and the Magdeburg teachers, among whom is Frau Marla Linder, who, although she is a woman, is also one of the very finest singers I have ever known.
We do not want to take the girls away from you, mother. Come with them, stay with us. We will provide you with your own rooms, where you can rest as you desire, yet still be involved with Anna Justina and Euphrosine.
It would gladden my heart if you will come.
With all love and respect,
Your humble son.
Heinrich
8 day of October, 1634
Magdeburg
To Frau Amber Higham
In Grantville
Dearheart
To know that you are once more safe in Grantville gives me the greatest of reliefs. I thought that my sleep had been broken the previous time you traveled. It was nothing compared to what I felt this time, night after night, until your letter came.
I wake up each morning afeared that it was all a dream, that your agreeing to marry me was but the delusion of a fevered mind. For that reason I keep your letters by my bed, and each morning read them anew until I reach your most recent page, wherein you talk of the wedding plans. My heart is so full, it is as if I were an old wineskin overfilled and about to burst. How can one man's life contain so much joy? How can God have seen his way to bless me so much?
Each day is begrudged its span, that its cycle of light and dark will occupy so much time and thus only slowly draw me nearer to December. Even when my life was in darkest shadow, never did time seem to proceed so slowly.
I know that you must fulfill your commitments in Grantville. I would not want it said that you had broken your agreements. But my rebellious heart is aboil, bubbling, until I sometimes feel that I must shout or scream.
My reputation as a sober, staid man I fear is somewhat tattered. I smile, and whistle, and hum the day long. Frequently I catch Lucas looking at me with the oddest of expressions. The dear boy knows what is happening, but he does perceive that I am not the Schutz he has served for these past years, which does surprise him, and others as well, I must admit.
As we had discussed, the quarters I was allotted in the palace will not suffice for our entire family, so I have undertaken to find others. The palace rooms will remain my work rooms, my studio, where Lucas can reside as well. By the time it is needed, a home will be provided.
Come as soon as you can, my dear.
With all my love.
Heinrich
12 day of October, 1634
Magdeburg
To Frau Euphrosine Biegerin verw. Schutz
In Weissenfels
Dearest Mother
Yes, plans for the wedding are proceeding apace. We will say the vows on the fifteenth of December, with the banns posted at the appropriate times before then.
Neither of us desires some grand and elaborate event. At our ages, it would be but foolish. So it will be done in one of the chapels of the Dom, with only a few family and friends in attendance; perhaps thirty or forty in all.
Set your protestations aside, Mother. It is the desire of our hearts that you come to us and live with us. Please do not disappoint us. I have found a townhouse to rent for all of us, in which I think you will be most comfortable.
It pleases me that Anna Justina and Euphrosine are excited about coming. Do not let them become so excited that they neglect their studies or their other responsibilities.
I have made arrangements for you to travel with a group of merchants. They expect to be at your door around the fifth day of December. It is only about one hundred miles from Weissenfels to Magdeburg, so that should allow adequate time to travel and still arrive before the wedding.
It is the prayer of my heart that you will come to love my Amber as much as you did my Magdalena. Although she cannot be the same person, Amber is as much in love with life and with me as Magdalena ever was.
I look forward to your arrival.
With all love,
Your son.
Heinrich
5 day of November, 1634
Magdeburg
To Frau Amber Higham
In Grantville
Dearest
The time fast approaches when you will begin your travels here to Magdeburg, to stand at my side. Lucas despairs of holding my attention for any task, as within moments my thoughts return to you. He says that he will be beyond glad when the wedding is concluded and I will once again be able to focus my thoughts on my responsibilities.
I will not say that I am doing nothing. I have begun sketches for new works: a fantasia, in the manner of Vaughan Williams; a passion, which I will base on the Gospel of St. Luke, I believe; and two or three other works. They are but the merest hint of what is to come, yet I find that in all of them is some thread of you, some essence of your light, that makes me smile, and laugh, and at times almost weep. In the future that will now be, rather than the one from which you came, I believe that scholars will look at the corpus of my work and will place their fingers on December, 1634, with the note that here the inspiration of the man Schutz elevated to another plane. I hope that they will note our wedding's date, and realize that the best of me came from you.
Make what haste you can. I await you with singing heart
With all my love.
Heinrich
1 day of December, 1634
Magdeburg
Grantville News
Wedding Announcements
Tuesday, December 19, 1634
Higham – Schutz Wedding
Amber Dunn Higham, late of Grantville, was joined in wedlock with Heinrich Schutz, the noted composer, on Friday, December 15, 1634, in Magdeburg. The couple will make their home in Magdeburg, where the groom is employed by the emperor as Kappellmeister of Magdeburg and the bride intends to become active in theatre.
A T amp; L TELEGRAPH BEGIN: GVL TO MBRG TO: FRAU EUPHROSINE BIEGERIN VERW SCHUTZ ADDR: SCHUTZHAUS MAGDEBURG FROM: HEINRICH SCHUTZ DATE: 26 DEC 1634 MESSAGE: MOTHER AM IN HEAVEN BUT MUST COME DOWN TO EARTH WE WILL BEGIN RETURN TOMORROW, ARRIVE HOME 30 DEC LOVE TO ALL HEINRICH AND AMBER PS: TELL GIRLS BEHAVE OR NO TREATS FROM GVILLE END
To Maestro Girolamo Frescobaldi,
City of Rome
Maestro
I see from your most recent letter that you have removed yourself from Florence and resumed your post as organist at Saint Peter's in Rome. I trust that the relocation was harmonious and the travels were easy.
I am sorry to appear so delinquent in responding to your letter, but it appears that it spent a great deal of time on the road. You signed the letter on the third of September, yet it was not placed into my hands until the twenty-seventh of November. I have no explanations as to why, of course, only to note that it did.
Unfortunately, I was at that time very occupied by plans for my wedding, which occurred on the fifteenth of December, as well as my involvement in a great musical performance produced for the King of Sweden, Gustavus Adolphus and his daughter, Princess Kristina. With that event having occurred, I can now take the time to respond to your writings in an appropriately respectful manner.
It dismays me, maestro, I must admit, that you so vehemently reject the music to be found in Grantville. I cannot deny your charge that much of the music is dissonant and discordant. Yet note that the world around us is filled with dissonance and discord. It is those qualities that make the moments of consonance and concord to be so prized and appreciated. Certainly, even prior to the appearance of Grantville, my own works had received the occasional accusation of being dissonant. But how else are we, as composers, to create and release tension in our works, to create more than musical pap, if the tools of dissonance and discord are not available to us? Certainly, the giants of the music in Grantville, wherever and whoever they truly were, have much to teach us of this aspect of our art. I think in particular of an Englishman named Ralph Vaughan Williams, whose string music is enough to wring the heart of a statue. God Above knows that he has wrung mine.
I caution you, maestro, to take care of how you express your displeasure with Grantville's music. To accuse it of being the work of the devil treads perilously close to the Manichaean heresy. The Adversary has no creative ability-all the church fathers agree on that. He can only twist and pervert that which is already created. In this one thing we mortals shine above even the angels; in this one thing some spark of the Divine Godhead still seems to linger in us; that we can create music that upon rare occasion would not be out of place before the very throne of God. I have found such in Grantville.
It grieves me, Maestro Girolamo, that my judgment of Grantville and its music is so at odds with yours. But I can trace your hand, and my hand, and the hands of Gabrieli, Monteverdi, and even your student Pachelbel, throughout that music. It was formed from the tools we made, from the seeds that we planted, from the works that we shaped. We have an opportunity to take from it, to learn from it, to stand on the shoulders of the giants who at once came after us and also before us, to write such music as will harmonize with the music of the spheres and even resound before the throne of Heaven; but only if we do not turn our backs on it.
Maestro Carissimi stands with me. We have entered into correspondence with Monteverdi, Melchior Frank, Johann Cruger, Samuel Scheidt, and others. It is our endeavor to bring the music of Grantville to the world.
This is the future of music. On this I take my stand. God help me, I can do no other.
With respect,
Heinrich Schutz
Kappellmeister of Magdeburg
4 day of January, 1635
Magdeburg