Johann Valentin Rathgeber was a German Benedictine monk, composer, organist and choirmaster of the Baroque period. He studied in Würzburg and later worked at Banz Monastery. After returning from an unauthorized study trip, which was punished with a prison sentence, he renewed his vows and was allowed to resume his old duties.
He was a versatile and productive composer who was particularly interested in musicians in rural areas with all their demands. His works were widespread in southern Germany, including masses, hymns, arias, litanies, requiems, magnificats, offertories and instrumental concertos.
