Kerll, Johann Caspar von (1627–1693)

German organist and composer. He wrote 11 operas, all of which are now lost. Of his other compositions, 18 Masses and other church music survive, as well as secular pieces. He excelled in writing for the organ.

He settled early in Vienna, Austria, as a pupil of Giovanni Valentini; then studied in Rome, Italy, with Giacomo Carissimi and probably studied the organ with Girolamo Frescobaldi. He was in the service of the Elector of Bavaria in Munich 1656–74. He returned to Vienna as a private teacher, and was appointed court organist there in 1677, but went back to Munich in 1684.

Works Opera Oronte, Erinto, Le pretensioni del sole (1667), I colori geniali.

Church music Masses, motets, and other church music.

Instrumental sonatas for two violins and bass; toccatas, ricercari, and other works for organ.