Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

1488

Death

:

August 6, 1548

Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Georg Rhau was a German composer, music editor, and music publisher who lived during the Renaissance period. He was born in 1488 in the town of Weida, which is located in the state of Thuringia in Germany. Rhau was the son of a wealthy merchant, and he received a good education in his youth. He showed an early interest in music and began studying it at a young age. Rhau's musical education began with singing lessons, and he soon became proficient in playing the lute and the organ. He also studied music theory and composition, and he showed a talent for both. Rhau's musical abilities were recognized by his family and friends, and he was encouraged to pursue a career in music. In 1512, Rhau moved to Wittenberg, where he became a student at the University of Wittenberg. He studied theology and philosophy, but he also continued to study music. While at the university, Rhau became friends with Martin Luther, who was a professor of theology at the time. Luther was also a musician and composer, and he and Rhau shared a love of music. In 1520, Rhau became the cantor at the St. Marienkirche in Wittenberg. This was a prestigious position, and it gave Rhau the opportunity to compose music for the church. Rhau's compositions were well-received, and he soon became known as a talented composer. In addition to his work as a composer, Rhau was also a music editor and publisher. He edited and published several collections of music, including the "Symphoniae iucundae" and the "Cantiones sacrae". These collections contained works by some of the most famous composers of the time, including Josquin des Prez and Heinrich Isaac. Rhau's most famous work is his collection of chorale settings, which he published in 1544. This collection, titled "Geistliche Lieder und Psalmen", contained 153 settings of hymns and psalms. The collection was intended for use in Lutheran churches, and it became very popular. Many of the settings in the collection are still used in churches today. Rhau's music was characterized by its simplicity and clarity. He was a master of counterpoint, and his compositions were known for their beautiful harmonies. Rhau's music was also influenced by the Protestant Reformation, and many of his compositions were written to be sung in German rather than Latin. Rhau died in 1548 in Wittenberg. He was remembered as a talented composer and music editor who made significant contributions to the development of music during the Renaissance period. His music continues to be performed and enjoyed today, and he is remembered as one of the great composers of his time.

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