Vom Himmel hoch da komm' ich her

Johann Christian Heinrich Rinck (18 February 1770 – 23 July 1846) was a German composer and organist of the late classical and early romantic eras.

Rinck was born in Elgersburg, Thuringia, and died in Darmstadt, aged 76.

He studied with Johann Christian Kittel (1732–1809), (a pupil of Johann Sebastian Bach), and eventually became Kantor at the music school in Darmstadt, where he was also a court organist from 1813. He composed prolifically, and an organ primer of his enjoyed wide popularity.

Among his works is a set of Variations on ‘Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman’, Opus 90, published by Simrock in 1828. It is based on a tune made familiar by Mozart (K265) (and generally associated with the words Twinkle Twinkle Little Star). Notable students include composer Georg Vierling.

OK, this really IS my final Christmas upload... ;-)

Yesterday morning during the sermon, I was wondering what I should play for a Postlude.
I had a book called "A Romantic Christmas" edited by Barbara Owen with me, and this was the first piece in the book... :- O

This really sounded good on the ole' Wirsching... ;-)

I thought it also sounded superb on the Batz.

For the first variation, I used the 16' 8' & 4' foundations of the Hoofdwerk. For the second one, it's more or less "full organ", although I managed to restrain myself from adding "Low C" on the final chord... ;-)

In retrospect, I SHOULD have done it!!! :-)

Happy New Year to All!!!!!!!!