In the Oude Kerk, the oldest building still in existence in Amsterdam, capital city of the Netherlands, you find the mighty Vater-Müller organ. Many organists consider this instrument to be one of the most impressive organs in the world. And you can now play it in your very own living room. Exclusively on Johannus LiVE.
André van Vliet would like to introduce you to this latest sample set:
Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck
The Oude Kerk, whose origin dates back to the 13th century, is inextricably linked to some of the country’s greatest composers and organists. One of them is Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, organist at the Oude Kerk from 1577 to 1621. Talented organists from all corners of the world flocked to Amsterdam to study under the incredibly popular Sweelinck. In Germany, this earned him the apt nickname of Der Organistenmacher, or the Organist-maker. After his death, Sweelinck was buried in the Oude Kerk.
The most impressive baroque organ in the world
Another Dutch organist who caused a sensation in the Oude Kerk was Feike Asma. Between 1939 and 1984 he gave around two hundred concerts on the Vater-Müller organ, which he called ‘the most impressive baroque organ in the world’. These many concerts, along with numerous radio broadcasts, recordings and the wonderful short film Toccata, ensured that Feike Asma’s name and playing style became unavoidably associated with the Oude Kerk and the Vater-Müller organ, and vice versa.
Perfect harmony
However, the majesty of the Vater-Müller organ is not only due to the illustrious organists who play on it. The imposing cathedral space of the Oude Kerk also contributes. The expansive volume and floor area, the balance between length and br eadth, the wooden vault and the balanced combination of materials such as glass, wood, hard stone, plasterwork and semi-soft joints: all come together perfectly in the heart of Amsterdam.
Music video: „Wie groß ist des Allmächtigen Güte“, F. Mendelssohn
Music video: Choralvorspiel „Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier“, J.S. Bach
Music video: Andante mit Variationen, F. Mendelssohn
Music video: Variationen über „O dass ich Tausend Zungen hätte“, A. van Vliet
Music video: Praeludium in d-moll, J. Pachelbel
Music video: Cantiléna, J. Rheinberger
Music video: Preludium in G-Dur, J.S. Bach
Music video: Fantasie over „How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds”, A. van Vliet
Click here for more information about the sample set. This new sample set is now available for order from your Johannus dealer.