Konrad Paumann (1415-1473) was born blind but became the best organist in all of Germany. He also played the lute, recorder, harp and violin. During his musical service Paumann was in Nuremberg and Munich, remaining in the latter city from 1460 until his death. He was afforded the opportunity to travel because of his skill and renown, though little is documented. It is clear that he played before the Burgundian court as well as in Milan, Mantua, Regensburg and Salzburg. On a number of occasions he was also asked to examine new organs.
The works by Paumann that survive indicate dictated improvisations rather than compositions because of his blindness. He is attributed with the first German lute tablature and as being a virtuoso instrumentalist and composer. Characteristics of his organ music include ornamented descants, three-part polyphony and foundations built upon tenor-countertenor voicings.
