Nicolaus Bruhns facts for kids
Nicolaus Bruhns (sometimes spelled Nikolaus or Nicholas) was a talented musician from Denmark and Germany. He was an amazing organ player, violinist, and composer. People thought he was one of the best musicians of his time. He was born in late 1665 and passed away on April 8, 1697, in Husum.
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Life of Nicolaus Bruhns
Nicolaus Bruhns was born in Schwabstedt, a small town near Husum. He came from a family of musicians. His grandfather, Paul Jakob Bruhns, was a lutenist (someone who plays the lute) in Lübeck. Nicolaus's father, also named Paul, became an organist in Schwabstedt.
Nicolaus was a very gifted child. Even when he was young, he could play the organ well. He also composed music for keyboard and singing. He likely learned his first music lessons from his father.
Studying Music in Lübeck
When Nicolaus was about 16, he and his younger brother Georg went to Lübeck. They lived with their uncle Peter, who taught Nicolaus to play the violin and the viola da gamba. Both brothers also studied the organ and how to compose music.
Nicolaus studied with Dieterich Buxtehude, who was one of the most famous composers of that time. Buxtehude was very impressed with Nicolaus's skills. He even called Bruhns his best student. Buxtehude later suggested that Bruhns go to Copenhagen to work.
Working as an Organist
In Copenhagen, Bruhns worked as an organist and violinist. In 1689, he applied for a job as an organist in Husum. Everyone agreed he was the best choice for the position.
A few months later, he was offered a job in Kiel. However, the Husum authorities increased his salary, so he decided to stay. Bruhns remained in Husum until he passed away in 1697. He was only 31 years old. His brother Georg took over his job as organist in Husum.
Music by Nicolaus Bruhns
Sadly, not much of Bruhns's music has survived. We only have 12 pieces for singing (vocal works) and 5 pieces for the organ.
Vocal Music
His vocal works include four special church pieces called "sacred concertos." These pieces were very challenging and exciting to play. They showed a new level of skill for singers and musicians. He also wrote three "sacred madrigal cantatas." These pieces are important because they connect his music to the works of later composers like Johann Sebastian Bach.
Even though some of his pieces suggest he worked with average musicians, other parts are very difficult. For example, the beginning of his solo cantata Mein Herz ist bereit is very complex. Bruhns probably wrote other types of music, like chamber music, but none of those pieces have survived.
Organ Music
His organ works include four praeludia (pieces played before a main work) and a chorale fantasia. A chorale fantasia is a piece based on a hymn tune, like "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland".
One of his most famous pieces is the larger Praeludium in E minor. Many people consider it one of the greatest works from the North German organ tradition. Even though Johann Sebastian Bach's son said his father admired Bruhns's work, experts haven't found a direct influence on Bach's music.
List of Works
Vocal
- Muss nicht der Mensch auf dieser Erden in stetem Streite sein
- O werter heil'ger Geist
- Hemmt eure Traenenflut
- Ich liege und schlafe
- Jauchzet dem Herren
- Wohl dem, der den Herren fürchtet
- De profundis
- Paratum cor meum
- Die Zeit meines Abschieds ist vorhanden
- Erstanden ist der heilige Christ
- Der Herr hat seinen Stuhl im Himmel bereitet
- Mein Herz ist bereit –
Example and sheet music
Instrumental
- Organ works
- Großes Praeludium in E minor – Example (info), sheet music
- Kleines Praeludium in E minor – Example and sheet music
- Chorale Fantasy on "Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland"
- Praeludium in G major
- Fragment of Praeludiums in D major
- Praeludium in G minor (also thought to be by Brunckhorst)
See also
In Spanish: Nicolaus Bruhns para niños
