Michael Praetorius | |
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| Born | 28 September 1571 (most likely) |
| Died | 15 February 1621 (aged 49) |
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Michael Praetorius (probably 28 September 1571[1] – 15 February 1621) was a German composer, organist, and music theorist.[2] He was one of the most versatile composers of his age, being particularly significant in the development of musical forms based on Protestant hymns.
- ^ Praetorius's birthdate (and even to a certain extent, birth-year) has long been shrouded in uncertainty. However, Appendix II of Vogelsänger 2020 establishes for certain that Praetorius was born in 1571 and not prior to 16 February. It also provides strong evidence that he was born on 27 or 28 September, the day before St. Michael's Day. He was then most likely baptized on St. Michael's Day and named after the saint of the day. The often erroneously cited 15 February birthdate is based on an encyclopedic resource published in 1721, whose information appears to have stemmed from a misunderstanding of Praetorius's epitaph.
- ^ Walter Blankenburg and Cletus Gottwald, "Praetorius, Michael. In Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online, (accessed September 11, 2011)