Funcke, Friedrich

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Funcke, Friedrich

Funcke, Friedrich, German composer and clergyman; b. Nossen, Saxony, 1642; d. Römstedt, near Lüneburg, Oct. 20, 1699. After training in theology in Wittenberg (1660–61), he was cantor at St. Johannis in Lüneburg (1664–94) and then pastor in Romstedt. A St. Matthew Passion (2 versions, c. 1668–74; ed. in Das Chorwerk, LXXVIII-IX, 1961) attributed to him is historically significant in the development of the Passion oratorio. He publ. Danck- und Denck-Mahl for 8 voices, 5 instruments, and basso continue (Hamburg, 1666), and also composed a cantata for New Year 1684.

—Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire