Johannes von Soest

The boy eventually left Soest when John I, Duke of Cleves hired him as a singer.

At Cleves, Johannes von Soest studied composition with an unknown teacher, quickly distinguishing himself as the best student and becoming, in his own words, a better composer than his master.

Although he had a large salary and a high reputation, by 1476 Johannes was apparently no longer satisfied with his musical activities.

No compositions by Johannes von Soest survive, but contemporary sources mention vocal music for 9 to 12 voices and other pieces.

His pupils included composer and theorist Sebastian Virdung, author of one of the earliest known German treatises on musical instruments.

Johannes von Soest (right) and his patron Philip the Upright
St. Patrokli, Soest , where his career began