About Johann Beer
Lived 1655 – 1700 (aged 45). Johann Beer was a German musicologist, singer, composer, music theorist, writer and librarian.
Johann Beer (also spelled Bähr, Baer, or Behr, Latinized as Ursus or Ursinus; (28 February 1655, in Sankt Georgen – 6 August 1700, in Weissenfels) 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 novels Der Simplicianische Welt-Kucker. The Simplician World-Observer 4 Vols. Halle and Saale 1677–79 Der Abenteuerliche Ritter Hopffen-Sach. The adventurous Knight Hop-Sack. Halle 1678 Der Politische Feuermäuer-Kehrer. Leipzig 1682 Teutsche Winternächte. Nuremberg 1682, English translation German winter nights 1988.
Music theory Musikalische 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.
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Important facts
People in Johann Beer's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Johann Beer?
Austrian composer and writer
When was Johann Beer born?
Johann Beer was born on 28 February 1655 in Sankt Georgen im Attergau.
When did Johann Beer die?
Johann Beer died on 6 August 1700 in Weißenfels.
What was Johann Beer's occupation?
Johann Beer was a musicologist, singer, composer, music theorist, writer and librarian.
What nationality was Johann Beer?
Johann Beer was German.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Johann Beer. https://biography.guide/johann-beer/
MLA: "Johann Beer." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/johann-beer/.
Chicago: "Johann Beer." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/johann-beer/.
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