Jacob, Gunther (Wenceslaus)

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Jacob, Gunther (Wenceslaus)

Jacob, Gunther (Wenceslaus), Bohemian organist, choirmaster, and composer; b. Kacerov, near Loket (baptized), Sept. 30, 1685; d. March 21, 1734. He was a singer at the Benedictine monasteries in Kladruby (1696) and St. Nicolas in the Old Town of Prague (from 1698), where he was a student of Prokop Smrkovsky (music) and Isidor Vavak (organ). He also was trained in the law and theology. In 1707 he was asst. organist at St. Nicolas, and later was its choirmaster. In 1710 he received the name of Guntherus on taking his monastic vows in the Benedictine order. He distinguished himself as a composer of sacred music, including four oratorios and more than 30 masses.

—Laura Kuhn/ Dennis McIntire