Hendrik Niehoff

Hendrik Niehoff (also: Nyhoff, Neuhoff, Nieuwe Hoff ) (* 1495, † 1560) was an organ builder who was active in the Dutch city of ' s-Hertogenbosch. In the 16th century it led the organ building in northern Brabant to a climax. On Niehoff various technical innovations go back in organ building and he had far-reaching influence on the further development of the North European organ culture.

Life

Hendrik Niehoff came from a widely branched organ building family who had for several generations in organ building, and is regarded as its outstanding representative. His father Nicolaas Niehoff was probably based in Leeuwarden. Hendriks brother Herman (* 1495, † after 1546) lived in Leeuwarden and was married to Nele Ariens. Hendriks first woman was Bertke Peters ( † before 1546). From this marriage four children were born: Nicolaas, Christine (married with Jan Hermans ), Hendrik ( the younger) and Regina ( † before 1561, married to Herman Peters). From a second marriage to Anna, which was closed before March 22, 1546, had three children: Bertha (married with Jan Wouter Rinck ), Aert and Clara. 1564 earned Anna a widow a summer house with a courtyard and garden in Vught. Most recently, she is mentioned in 1571 as a godmother. The son Nicolaas Niehoff (* around 1525 in Amsterdam, † 1604 ) was a famous organ builder. He married Jaecxke (or: Jacomyn ) de Ruyther († after 1600 ) and had her three children: Jacob, Adriaan and Zeger. Jacob ( * 1565, † 1626 ) was the last organ builder this family. He lived in Cologne, was married to Anne of Schleiden († 1626 ) and had four children with her.

Although Hendrik lived 22 years in 's- Hertogenbosch, but there has not acquired the citizenship. Around 1520 he went with John of Koblenz (Jan van Covelen ) in the teaching and worked fruitfully with him. After his death in 1532 he led initially continued the mission work of his master for the widow Sophie, but soon became self-employed. In the 1530s a number of times by his brother Herman cited as an employee. Later, Hans von Köln his business partner. Prove His organs in the main church of Saint Peter (Hamburg ) and St. Johannis ( Lüneburg), that his reputation was widespread.

Work

Niehoff has the type of the so-called " Brabant organ " lent its distinctive character, the template for Orgelbauten in northern Germany was in many ways. It is characterized by the construction of the Prospectus, which reflects the work principle. Niehoff further developed the technical installation of the organ and manifests the transition from Gothic block work towards an organ to which the individual registers could be operated. Niehoff used Spring store, for which he invented new construction. Spring loading originals are not received by him. His organs generally have major work and return to positive with self- pedal; larger organs have an additional upper works. Is not possible for reasons of space, the construction of a positive feedback, there is a small chest work (without plenum ). The main work retains as a rule with the background set (block work ) instead of individual registers its function as a full -works with a principal chorus. The wind loading the main plant are otherwise divided into upper and lower loading, so, in a separate flute choir can be played. By his own plenary sound, new register, which emerged in the 16th century ( the Bärpfeife 8 ' next to Regal 8 ', also zinc 8 ' regularly at Niehoff ), and to play by the possibility of single register that Rückpositiv formed a strong contrast to the major work. Larger organs were three manuals ( with upper plant), single-manual organs in North Brabant ever the exception. In Brustwerk could only kurzbechrige reeds, even that can be installed with long -cups in the upper works that were regarded as indicative of the Brabant organ. The pedal is scheduled usually weaker and only in some new organs as in Hamburg, St. Peter goes busy. It usually retains its traditional role as a bass piano, although it is supplemented at cantus firmus Niehoff to individual registers. By default, there is a Trumpet 8 '. He sits in the pedal also transmissions.

Hendrik has developed a range of activities, particularly in the years 1538 to 1560. Initially he built with his brother Herman and Hans of Cologne organs, he later worked with Master Jaspar Jansz (also called Jaspar Johansen ) and Nicolaas, his son from his first marriage together. In addition to new organs Niehoff was entrusted with the maintenance and repair of over 100 organs. At the very smooth Niehoff organ in Amsterdam Oude Kerk later should be organist Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck and his organ compositions develop ( 1580-1621 ).

List of works (selection)

Of his works, only little has received, most still in Lüneburg, St. John. Demonstrated works: