Sethus Calvisius German astronomer, chronologist, historian, music theorist and composer. Date of Birth: 21.02.1556 Country: Germany

1. Johannes Kepler, German Astronomer and Musician
2. Education and Early Career
3. Astronomical and Chronological Works
4. Academic Connections
5. Music Theory and Composition

Johannes Kepler, German Astronomer and Musician

Born into a humble farming family, Johannes Kepler was a German astronomer, chronologist, historian, music theorist, and composer who made significant contributions to various fields.

Education and Early Career

After graduating from high school in Magdeburg in 1572, Kepler pursued his studies at the universities of Helmstedt and Leipzig. In 1582, he became the director of a music school in Pförten (now Brody, Poland).

Astronomical and Chronological Works

Kepler's primary scientific work in astronomy, "Opus Chronologicum" (1605), was a comprehensive chronological table that synchronized historical events from ancient civilizations based on over 300 solar and lunar eclipses. He consulted with renowned scholar Joseph Scaliger during its development. Kepler's astronomical and chronological observations also influenced his proposed reform of the Gregorian calendar.

Academic Connections

Kepler maintained close relationships with prominent German scholars, including astronomer Johannes Kepler, composer Michael Praetorius, and mathematician Bartholomäus Byrgius. His student, Johann Lippius, later became a respected music theorist and composer.

Music Theory and Composition

Kepler's most significant music theory treatise was "Melopoeia" (1592), presenting a well-structured and lucid exposition of musical composition, heavily influenced by the ideas of Gioseffo Zarlino. He emphasized the interrelation between music and text ("musica poetica") and made notable contributions to musical rhetoric in his three "Exercitationes" (exercises) on fundamental music theory.

Kepler's compositional output consisted exclusively of choral church music, including hymns, canons, and motets. He also arranged German spiritual songs (tricinia) and Protestant chorales, including the complete Lutheran Psalter.