The six collections of 'Vierstimmige Motetten und Arien' published by Johann Adam Hiller offer a selection of motets, mostly from the second half of the 18th century. They show us the products of a new age of achievement in which the motet was again able to flourish after this genre had led only a shadowlike existence for more than a century. The editor of those collections, Johann Adam Hiller, was active as a composer of Singspie, editor of various musical periodicals, leader of the Gewandhaus concerts, University Director of Music, musical director of the Neukirche, and finally, from 1789, Thomaskantor in Leipzig. Upon Hiller's assumption of the office of Thomaskantor theolder motets were replaced in Leipzig church services by contemporary compositions. Printed texts which have been preserved show that Hiller's collections were used widely. A Critical Report from the editor, Uwe Wolf, with additional information concerning the motets and their composers, will be published to cover all the collections. / Mottet / Répertoire / Choeur Mixte
