Hieronymus Praetorius

Hieronymus Praetorius ( born August 10, 1560 in Hamburg, † January 27, 1629 ) was a German organist and composer of the early Baroque.

One family of musicians entstammend, Praetorius received his first musical training from his father, the composer and organist Jacob Praetorius their elders. He later this continues in Cologne.

In 1580 he accepted the position of cantor at Erfurt. In 1582 he returned to his hometown to compete there after the death of his father, whose successor as organist at St. Jacobi Church. During his tenure there, he also took the function of the church clerk. Here he worked until his death in 1629.

Jerome had four sons and three daughters, of whom Jacob, Michael and Johann also musicians were.

Praetorius ' compositions include primarily sacred works. He mainly composed works for organ and vocal music. These are primarily hymns, fairs, Kyrie, psalms, hymns and Magnificat. He is considered one of the founders of the North German organ school. Hieronymus Praetorius enjoyed during his lifetime high reputation in Hamburg since he made outstanding contributions to the development of musical life in Hamburg.

List of works (selection):

• Missa super Angelus ad pastores
• Magnificat germanice
• Psalm 113
• Hymns: