I have listened to Schutz, Buxtehude and Reinkin in seeking to know
something of Bach's German predecessors and influences. They frankly
sound rather primitive to me, when compared to him. The layers of
complexity he seems to have added are very extensive. I have not heard
any counterpoint even approaching his. Is my opinion well-founded or
erroneous? Perhaps there are key works by these composers, or other
composers, I have not heard. What I have heard has comprised cantatas
and various instrumental sonatas and variations.
