Johann Krieger was one of the most celebrated German organists and composers of his generation. Before securing an important lifelong position of cantor at St. Johannis in Zittau, Krieger worked as an organist in Bayreuth, Greiz and Eisenberg. Recognized and admired by Mattheson and Handel for his melodic and contrapuntal skills, Krieger wrote a number of keyboard suites and other compositions as well as widely performed church music.