Composer of the Month 1/2009: Paul Hofhaymer   (selected by Peter van Dessel / Belgium)

Austria 11.9.1987 The musician and organist Paul Hofhaymer was born in Radstadt on January 25th, 1459. In 1480 he was fetched by duke Sigmund as an organist to the court to Innsbruck. Playing on the big church organ was part of his tasks. He also played all key instruments common at that time, as well as lute and harp. After the government was taken over by emperor Maximilian in 1490, Hofhaymer did a lot of travelling and often was consulted as an adviser for the construction of new organs. From about 1520 Hofhaymer lived in Salzburg. From his extensive liturgical organ work only two works are known today, a "Recordare" and a "Salve Regina". Paul Hofhaymer died in Salzburg in 1537. His birthday comes up again for the 550th time in January 2009. In the video you can listen to Hofhaymers "Salve Regina". More composers in our "members only" section.