Thomas Mancinus

Mancinus was a student of Rostock University in 1567. He was able to attend because of a scholarship he received from Duke Johann Albrecht von Mecklenburg. He became the kantor of Schwerin in 1572 where his responsibilities included singing during services and dinners. He left for a short time to become the Kapellmeister at Gustrow but was recalled to Schwerin in 1579. Between 1579 and 1583 he served in Berlin and Groningen, where, in 1587 he was asked to found a musical college in Germany. The Wolfenbuttel Hofkantorei was the leading musical school in all of Germany where the way was prepared for Michael Praetorius. Mancinus' most noteable compositions were his Passion dramas. He sought monetary support for the publication of 67 motets but only six are extant. These works demonstrate musical artisanship that measures among the best of German compositions of the late sixteenth century. ~ Keith Johnson