Tom Seidel

Fantasie und Fuge

The organist applications at the main church of St. Jacobi in Hamburg: Albert Schop, Wolfgang Wessnitzer, Jacob Lorentz and Matthias Weckmann in 1654, as well as Johann Sebastian Bach in 1720

A literary fantasy of North German organ music

Between the 17th and 18th centuries, North German musical culture produced a number of important organ builders and organists. When the organist position at Hamburg's main church, St. Jacobi, became vacant in 1654, four of the greatest organists of the time applied for the post. An exciting competition between the applicants decided which of the four church musicians would ultimately hold this position.

In 1720, another application was received: Johann Sebastian Bach, Kapellmeister in Köthen in Thuringia, heard about the vacancy for the organist position at St. Jacob's Church in Hamburg. The four-manual organ there was built by Arp Schnitger in 1693. For Bach, who had only recently become a widower, the position in the Hanseatic city was definitely worthwhile. His audition takes place at the organ of St. Katharinen in Hamburg, Johann Adam Reincken attends this musical performance. Will Johann Sebastian Bach actually succeed in being accepted into the musical life of the Hanseatic city? Will he be able to win this important office with the magnificent sound of his playing?