Johann Adam Reincken
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Johann Adam Reincken (Jan Adams Reinken) (April 27, 1623 - November 24, 1722) was a distinguished North German organist who was remarkable for his longevity, encompassing style, and his influence on young organists such as Johann Sebastian Bach.
In 1654 Reincken went to study with Heinrich Scheidemann at the Katharinenkirche (St. Katharine's Church) in Hamburg for three years, later becoming his assistant in 1658 after a year in Deventer. When Scheideman died in 1663, Reincken took his position, remaining there for the rest of his 99-year life. In 1705, some church elders attempted to appoint Johann Mattheson as Reincken's successor, but the latter prevented this from happening. Unlike many other contemporary organists, Reincken died wealthy.
Reincken knew Buxtehude well, as evidenced by a 1674 oil painting by Johannes Voorhut depicting the two of them together in a domestic music scene. He is also thought to have been a significant influence on the young Bach. It is said that after hearing, in old age, the young Bach's improvising on the Lutheran chorale An den Wasserflüssen Babylon, Reincken remarked: "I thought that this art was dead, but I see that it lives in you." [#endnote_tas] Reincken's largest keyboard composition was on this chorale, so if the story is true, it would indicate Bach showing respect for Reincken's craft.
References
External links
- ↑ [Sojourn: Jan Adams Reincken], by Timothy A. Smith
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