Elias Mertel Biography

A composer who was strictly interested in music for the lute, Mertel compiled a collection of numerous pieces entitled “Hortus musicalis.” This collection contains in excess of two hundred and thirty five preludes, and one hundred and twenty fugues and preludes. Unfortunately, none of the pieces are ascribed to a particular composer and Mertel probably did not compose any of them. It was known that Mertel served the Elector of Palatine until 1595 and was subsequently called into service in Heidelberg to perform for diverse celebrations there. In 1596 he became a citizen of the city of Strasbourg and later the treasurer for the academy. Mertel’s playing abilities were unsurpassed as he was hailed the greatest lutenist in all of Germany. The few extant compositions by Mertel were dances characterized by imitation, thin harmonies, and movement in all voices.