The jesuits and music in german catholic territories (1648-1705)

Abstract

This article shows the fundamental role of the Society of Jesus in the development of the music in German Catholic territories during the period between the end of the Thirty Years' War (1648) and the death of Emperor Leopold I (1705). First, we will examine the intimate connection between Jesuit colleges and the German Catholic aristocracy, as well as the influence of these educational institutions on the musical life of Austria and Bavaria. Then, we will discuss one of the Jesuits' principal artistic outputs, the drama school. In this section we will observe how music gradually became essential to the Order's theatrical programs. Finally, we discuss the Society's importance in the writing and publishing of Catholic vernacular songs as an alternative to Lutheran compositions.