Matthias Eckel (Mathis, Mattheus) (* around 1470, † 1538, both in Freiberg/Saxony) was a composer, Kammermeister and finance minister. Eckel, who performed these tasks for Duke George (the Bearded) and his brother Henry (the Pious), belonged to the Leipzig music circle around Georg Rhaw around 1520 and wrote early Protestant compositions. The only certainty regarding his education is that he did not have a university degree. From 1516, his employment by Duke Georg as Rentschreiber (“Minister of Finance”) is documented. From 1533 to 1537, he worked as Kammermeister at Duke Henry's court in Freiberg. In all likelihood, this change was related to his commitment to the teachings of Martin Luther.
Eckel's first composition, the motet “39. cap. This was followed by 51 further compositions in Latin (hymns, motets, masses, mass parts), 33 of which have only survived in fragmentary form, as well as nine German songs. Eckel was never employed as a composer. Only two of his motets were published during his lifetime. In the 19th century, in the course of the revival of 16th century vocal music, Eckel was praised above all as a master of counterpoint.
