Johann Beer

Johann Beer was an Austrian author, court official and composer.

Biography

Beer was born in Austria to Protestant parents. In 1676 he entered the service of Augustus, Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels as a countertenor. In 1700 he died, aged 45, as the result of a hunting accident.
His comic writings are reminiscent of Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen.
His work of music theory Musikalische Discurse reveals German baroque performance practice.

Works and editions

Comic novelsDer Simplicianische Welt-Kucker. The Simplician World-Observer 4 Vols. Halle and Saale 1677–79Der Abenteuerliche Ritter Hopffen-Sach. The adventurous Knight Hop-Sack. Halle 1678Der Politische Feuermäuer-Kehrer. Leipzig 1682Teutsche Winternächte. Nuremberg 1682, English translation German winter nights 1988.
Music theoryMusikalische Discurse durch die Philosophie deducirt
Music

Missa S. Marcellini for 8 soloists and double choir.
Concerto a 4 for posthorn, hunting horn, and strings in B-flat.