Matthias Greitter German composer and cantor Date of Birth: 01.01.1495 Country: Germany

1. Early Life and Education
2. Conversion to Protestantism
3. Musical Contributions
4. Personal Struggles and Later Years

Early Life and Education

Johann Konrad Greiter was born in Germany in 1490. In 1510, he enrolled at the University of Freiburg before transferring to Ingolstadt.

Conversion to Protestantism

By 1522, Greiter had relocated to Strasbourg, where he became the Cantor praebendarius (choirmaster) at the cathedral. Influenced by the organist of the Church of St. Thomas, Wolfgang Dachstein, he converted to Protestantism and assumed the role of the first Protestant cantor at the cathedral. In 1524, he left the priesthood and married.

Musical Contributions

Greiter became known for his musical compositions, which were published in works such as "Teutsch Kirchenampt" (1524) and "Psalmen, Gebett und Kirchen?bung" (1525). He also authored a treatise on music theory, "Elementale musicum juventuti accommodum," in 1538. Among his most celebrated works are the Protestant hymns "Es sind doch alle selig" and "O Herre Gott, begnade mich."

Personal Struggles and Later Years

In 1549, Greiter was accused of adultery and subsequently resigned from his positions. Facing financial difficulties, he reconverted to Catholicism in 1550 and regained his position as choirmaster at the newly restored Catholic cathedral. However, his life was cut short when he succumbed to the plague later that year.