Gottfried August Homilius, born on February 2, 1714, in Rosenthal, Saxony, was a German composer and organist. The son of a pastor, he studied law at Leipzig University and participated in the performances of Johann Sebastian Bach's works. In 1742, Homilius became the organist of the Frauenkirche in Dresden. He later served as cantor of the Kreuzkirche choir and director of music for the principal churches of Dresden under the reigns of Electors Frederick Augustus II, Frederick Christian, and Frederick Augustus III until his death on June 2, 1785. Homilius's extensive body of work includes over 60 motets, 180 church cantatas, 11 oratorios, 4 Magnificats, two collections of choruses, several Masonic songs, and numerous organ pieces. His most notable works include the Passion cantata "Ein Lämmlein geht und trägt die Schuld" and the Christmas oratorio "Die Freude der Hirten".
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