Andantino, Kleine Präludien und Intermezzi, Opus 9

Hermann Schroeder
(1904-1984) was strongly influenced by composers of the late Romantic period and is considered
by many as a Neoclassical composer

Throughout his career, Hermann Schroeder played an important role in the re-orientation
which took place in contemporary Catholic church music. As a composer, Schroeder found
much inspiration in the music of the Medieval and Baroque periods, and these centuries-old
musical elements such as Gregorian chant and modal scales can be found alongside the modern
harmonic practice of the twentieth century, including occasional hints of atonality. His ability to
cleverly combine stylistic techniques both ancient and modern in his liturgical music earned the
praise of Pope John Paul II. His unique musical blend of the old and the new ultimately caused
Schroeder to be classified as a member of the Neo-Baroque/Neo-Classical movement of the
twentieth century, alongside Paul Hindemith and Hugo Distler. (Heiskanen 2018)
Thanks to Mary-Katherine Fletcher for her excellent notes.

This movement is marked by rather more angular shaped phrases, but with a legato touch it is lent a spare beauty. Choosing the right sound was interesting & I experimented with quite a number of stops, but eventually hitting on using the 8’ Principal on manual 3,4 & 2 respectively.
The other movements are available here:
Maestoso https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/64007
Andante sostenuto https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/64011
Allegro moderato
https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/64022
Allegretto
https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/64029