In the issue of February 2025

Frans Jespers examines the life of organbuilder Antonius Kuerten from Huissen. Though Kuerten’s legacy consists of only half an organ case, a wind chest, and some pipework, he constructed approximately ten organs in the Betuwe region between 1830 and 1850. His story ends in anonymity and tragedy.
In the second installment of Franz Schmidt, Born 150 Years Ago, Tjeerd van der Ploeg analyzes several significant organ works. The article includes musical examples and QR codes linking to performances of the pieces discussed.

Auke H. Vlagsma begins a new series exploring French organ fronts from 1631 to 1690. The first installment examines the organ case in the Cathédrale Notre-Dame in Rodez, located in Occitania, Aveyron department.

Dirk Luijmes reveals a lesser-known aspect of Anton Bruckner’s musical life: his relationship with the harmonium. The article explores Bruckner’s personal instrument, its role in his teaching, and his harmonium repertoire. Notably, Luijmes uncovers that one of Bruckner’s motets can be considered part of his harmonium compositions.

Auke H. Vlagsma investigates the career of Emanuel Fredrick van Montfoort, an obscure organ builder. Despite constructing only three organs, van Montfoort’s varied career included several other positions. The article examines his family background, religious beliefs, and social context.

Continuing his series on Bach’s canonical variations on Vom Himmel hoch, Albert Clement explores how Bach incorporated the 14 stanzas of Luther’s Christmas hymn into the printed version. The article also discusses Bach’s second composition for Mizler’s Society of Musical Sciences: the renowned six-voice canon triplex.

• Jos van der Kooy contributes a column on “inspiration”
• Hans Fidom previews the upcoming organology course in the Orgelpark section
• Jan Luth reviews Johann Sebastian Bach’s Personal Copy of Abraham Calov’s Bible Commentary (edited by Albert Clement)
• Christo Lelie examines the DVD Bach – The Great Toccata from Fugue States Films
• Johan Haaksma reviews Hans van Haeften’s novel Plankenkoorts

Wietse Ouwejan reports on restoration projects of organs in Hillegom, Holwerd, Leeuwarden, and Menaam.

Frits Zwart describes a controversial organ examination that took place in Arnhem in 1918.