Johannes Cordes

Johannes Cordes (born May 18, 1873 in Altenhundem , † March 1, 1926 in Paderborn ) was a German cathedral organist and composer .

Life

Johannes Cordes graduated from the Theodorianum high school in Paderborn in 1893 . He then studied Catholic theology at the Paderborn theological-philosophical college. The then cathedral choir director Hermann Müller became aware of Corde's musical abilities and encouraged him.

Cordes was ordained a priest on April 2, 1897 and after a few days was appointed cathedral vicar and first cathedral organist by the music-savvy bishop Hubert Theophil Simar . From 1903 to 1924 Cordes was the diocesan president of the Cecilia Society in Paderborn. In this function he held numerous courses for organists and conductors and trained them, above all, in the accompaniment and direction of Gregorian chant. Among his students was Hans Humpert (1901–1943), to whom Cordes first gave piano and later also organ lessons. He was also appointed by the bishop to be the diocese's appraiser for the inspection of organs and bells.

From 1900 to 1926 Cordes was one of the personalities of Paderborn's musical life. Max Reger's two big concerts (orchestra and organ concert) in Paderborn were largely due to his initiative. His main task, however, was the organist's service at Paderborn Cathedral. "With his organ playing, Cordes made a significant contribution to the fact that the services in the cathedral, especially at high feasts and on solemn occasions, became highlights of religious and spiritual experiences".

During the last years of his life, Johannes Cordes was unable to perform his duties due to a serious illness and died on March 1, 1926. He was buried in his home town of Altenhundem.

Works

The publication of the organ book for the diocesan song book " Sursum Corda " should be emphasized here . This gave the hymn book an organ accompaniment that is up to date. When in 1916 23 standard songs were added to the "Sursum Corda", Cordes wrote a booklet with his own compositions entitled "Organ accompaniment with 116 preludes and reenactments to the 23 standard songs of the German diocesan hymn books". In addition, he has composed a number of smaller works for church music practice.

literature

• Theo Hamacher: Cathedral organist Johannes Cordes. In: Voices from the Olpe district. No. 54, 1964.

Individual evidence

1. ^ Westfälisches Volksblatt on the death of Johannes Cordes