Besler, Samuel

views updated

Besler, Samuel

Besler, Samuel, German composer; b. Brieg, Silesia, Dec. 15, 1574; d. Breslau, July 19, 1625. He settled in Breslau, where he was Kantor of St. Bernhard by 1602 and rector of its school by 1609. He was held in high esteem in Breslau, where he composed much sacred music. Among his works were the St. Mark and St. Luke Passions (1612) and large works for double choir, which were composed for state occasions. He also wrote collections of carols and graces (1602–15).

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire