Michael Praetorius’s Organ Works

Zusammenfassung

Michael Praetorius of Creuzburg was born in Torgau in 1571 and attended the Latin school there where his initial music instruction took place.¹ His parents’ home ostensibly had a clavichord, which gave Michael ample opportunity to develop his skills at the keyboard. Many years later he referred to the clavichord as the foundation of all keyboard instruments.² He sang in the church choir and, according to a 1576-dated report from a fellow student, he composed his first pieces. In 1582 at age 11 he moved to Zerbst to live with his sister, as his parents had to move to another city. His music education continued in Zerbst for nearly two years, in which time he was exposed to the craft of organ building, thanks to the von Ende family of organists.