Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706), most eminent south German organist-composer of the generation before J. S. Bach. Pachelbel held important positions in Vienna, in several German cities, and in his native Nürnberg. He helped establish in Roman Catholic south Germany both the virtuosic keyboard style of Austria and the Protestant chorale and chorale-based forms of north Germany. His works include suites, chorale variations, and chorale cantatas.