Jan Adam Reincken

Full biography Jan Adam Reincken

Jan Adam Reincken was a Dutch/German composer and organist born on April 23, 1623. He was one of the most important composers of the 17th century and his music was highly regarded by his contemporaries , including Johann Sebastian Bach. Reincken's father, Adam Reincken van Wilhuisen , was also a musician and likely provided his son with his early musical training.

Reincken spent most of his life in Hamburg, where he was the organist at St. Catherine's Church. He was associated with the vigorous school of players and composers in the city , which included Dietrich Buxtehude and Johann Mattheson. Reincken's compositions primarily consisted of keyboard music, such as toccatas, fantasias, and chorale variations. He also composed a number of instrumental works, including six sonatas for violin and basso continuo.

Reincken's music combined the contrapuntal techniques of the Baroque era with the expressive harmonies and melodies of the early Classical period. His compositions were highly influential and were praised for their technical sophistication and expressive depth. Although his music is not as well-known today as that of some of his contemporaries, it is still highly regarded by musicians and musicologists for its quality and originality. Overall, Jan Adam Reincken was a highly accomplished composer and organist whose work played an important role in the development of Baroque keyboard music.