2019.04

Koos van de Linde, Arp Schnitger, a fascinating organ builder
The renowned organ builder Arp Schnitger, son of a carpenter, was born in 1648 in Schmalenfleth/North Germany. In spite of his modest origins, he appears to have received an excellent education. He was well versed in Latin and in later years impressed his contemporaries with the extent of his general knowledge. He was first apprenticed to his father, and then learnt the craft of organ-building with his cousin Berendt Huss. The important instrument completed in 1687 for the Nicolaikirche in Hamburg was to confirm his reputation. By his death in 1719 he had built at least 170 organs, including instruments for Portugal, England and Russia. He was not only an exceptional organ-builder, but also an excellent businessman and a remarkable organizer. He built up an impressive network not only of musicians, but also of civil and religious authorities. As the result of a decentralized system under his supervision, his team of experienced craftsmen were able to build organs in many different locations. He was also generous, and sometimes delivered instruments at cost price to impecunious churches. In spite of his successes, he was never to become rich. As organ-builder he was not an innovator, preferring to develop and refine inherited traditions. In his instruments he produced a perfect balance between standardization and flexibility. He was sometimes obliged to depart from his regular designs, resulting in a wide and varied production. Many of his former apprentices were themselves to become excellent organ-builders, and continued to develop and further the same style. He is sometimes rightly compared to Stradivarius. In spite of the myths and legends which surrounded their endeavours, they were the undisputed leaders of their crafts. With no personal pretensions to superiority, they were both to remain unequalled.

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