Pachelbel, Johann

(1653-1706)

Most eminent south German organist-composer of the generation before J. S. Bach, whom his works influenced.

Pachelbel held important positions in Vienna (including organist at St Stephen's Cathedral), in several German cities (including Eisenach, where he met Bach's father), and in his native Nuremberg.

He helped establish in Roman Catholic south Germany both the virtuoso keyboard style of Austria and the Protestant chorale and chorale-based forms of north Germany.

His works include suites, chorale variations, and chorale cantatas.