Sixtus Dietrich

Joining the Reformation movements Dietrich ascribed more closely to Luther than Zwingli but found himself in Konstanz, the populace of which favored the latter. Through his positions, abilities in composition, musical knowledge and own interest, Dietrich traveled to Basle, Strasbourg, Cologne and Wittenburg where he found opportunities to lecture. His compositions can be classified into three definite periods: firstly, as a student he wrote secular songs; secondly, in Konstanz he composed music for the cathedral choir; and lastly, Dietrich composed music specifically for the Protestant services, and imperial Catholic choirs. Next to Walter Dietrich is the most importan early Protestant composer. Characteristics of his music include polyphonies, antiphons, experimentation with different treatments of the tenor, disquieting rhythms, imitation and some use of chordal techniques. ~ Keith Johnson