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Leonardus Wolffgangus (Nikolaus) Betscher
1745 - 1811
Germany
Nikolaus Betscher (31/10/1745 - 12/11/1811), a German composer (from Berkheim). He was born in the suabian village of Berkheim, which is located only few kilometers north-east of Rot an der Rot. His christian name was Leonardus Wolffgangus, though he changed his name to Nikolaus when he joined the monastic order. In 1789 Betscher was elected the 45th abbot of the Rot abbey. Abt Nikolaus died in the monastery on 12th November 1811.
Requiem in C minor
Requiem in C minor, for soli, choir and orchestra. Marked as O 142. The requiem of 1784 exists as an autograph. When Betscher set it to music, he abridged the usual liturgical text a great deal. However, there remained sufficient space to put in several forms: a bass aria (Offertorium), a duo for tenor and bass (Benedictus) and various chorus parts with soloist passages in between. The parts where the chorus sings without orchestra (i.e. a cappella) are quite unusual, though admittedly, quite short.
Requiem in G minor
Requiem in G minor for SATB soloists, strings, 2 horns and basso continuo. Marked as O 143.
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