Nikolaus Rost, also Rosthius, (* around 1542 in Weimar; † November 22, 1622 in Kosma [Altenburg/Thuringia]) was a German cantor and composer of the Renaissance. Although Rost studied theology, he initially devoted himself to his musical interests. After working in the court chapels in Weimar and Heidelberg (in 1579 he is also documented as a cantor in Linz), the Duke of Altenburg appointed him as Kapellmeister as witnessed from the prints from the years 1583 to 1594. In 1614 he performed the parish service in the Altenburg district of Kosma.
Only four collections have been preserved from his numerous compositions; a book "Fröliche neue teutsche Gesänge zu 4-6 Stimmen", theils zum weltlichen, theils zu geistlichen Texten (1583)''; a two-part work "Neuer lieblicher Galliardt, mit schönen lustigen Texten so bei allerhand ehrlichen Gesellschaften, Gastereien und anderem Wolleben zur Freude ganz bequem mit 4 Stimmen komponiert" (1593 and 94). Finally, a collection of motets with Latin texts for 6-8 voices which he published as pastor in 1613 in Gera.
