Ulrich Brätel (* around 1490/95, † 1544/45 in Stuttgart) was a German composer of the Renaissance. Numerous spellings of his name have survived (Names: Brätl, Bratl, Bratel, Prettl, Braetellius, Bratellius, Pratelius, Praetel, Praitl; first names: Hulderich, Ulrichus, Huldrichus, Huldericus, Ulrichius); he usually signed his works only with "H. B. The place of birth is unknown. Newer research shows Augsburg appears as probable. Little is known about his years of travel. He was probably a student of the composer Paul Hofhaimer in Vienna (1515). According to his own statements in a letter of 1535, Brätel was with many kings before he was employed as composer of Ulrichs von Württemberg and court secretary for marriages in Stuttgart (1535).
Compositions dated 1533-42 which were widespread in Germany at the time, date from the Stuttgart period. Brätel's works are characterized by their retrogression. Excellent contrapuntal skill is coupled with somewhat dry melodic turns and harmonies.
Works (as far as authorship protected): 9 secular German songs, published by Schöffer (the younger) Apiarius in "Fünfundsechzig teutscher Lieder, Strasbourg 1536".
