Jakob Adlung, born near Erfurt in 1699 and died in 1762, was an organ player, teacher and maker. He studied with Johann Nicolaus Bach, second cousin of Johann Sebastian and was for a few years a friend of Johann Gottfried Walther, another second cousin of J. S. Bach, organist and author, whom we already spoke about in our past newsletter.
Adlung borrowed from Walther his books about music theory and in his work often quotes Mattheson. He wrote many books on music theory, but they got lost in a fire at his home.
Adlung studied philosophy at the University of Jena. Later, he was a professor at the gymnasium in Erfurt for 32 years and probably his work “Anleitung zu der musikalischen Gelahrtheit” (Guide for musical literacy) was intended as an aid for his lessons. It is the only work published during his life that has survived.
His most important work is “Musica mechanica organoedi”, written in 1726 but published only in 1768 in Berlin. It is a comprehensive organ builder's encyclopedia describing over 80 German organs. The edition by J.L. Albrecht and J.F. Agricola provides an insight into Johann Sebastian Bach's opinions on organ building and design through the editorial notes drawn from their student-teacher relationship. (Wikipedia)
Updates from our workshop
It’s been an exciting week: we received the visit of baroque violinist Manoel Reinecke, who tried our instruments. We shared opinions about their use in church music in the baroque period but also today: when a church has a balcony, it would be not only cool but necessary to have such a small bass that you can play horizontally! Manoel said he felt particularly at home playing the Wagner model. Thanks Manoel and Jonathan for the time together!
Later, we left for a week at the seaside, enjoying not only the change of scenery but also more than a bit of laziness before the new season begins. Today, however, we went to Genova, where Antonino Airenti, fabulous bow maker, presented Daniela with a new superb bow for Violoncello da Spalla. Even better than the one she had played until now, which she already much appreciated for the rich sound and precision of articulation. The pic here is from last year, because today we were so excited that we forgot to take one! (No, that’s not his workshop, as we all have dogs, we often meet at his wife's dog school instead, where all our dogs can better relax while we talk!). Thank you Antonino for your enthusiasm and constant efforts in getting us better bows!
Further readings:
Featured video of the week
Sergey Malov, Bach 3rd suite. Enjoy!