bavarikon4ULetters of recommendation for the musician Peter Klotz (1643)
Two letters of recommendation for the musician Peter Klotz, who is applying to be a town piper in Nördlingen (1643)
Nördlingen R36 F10 Nr. 18 p. 441
When the musician Peter Klotz from Dinkelsbühl sent a letter of application to Nördlingen town council in June 1643, he enclosed two letters of recommendation.
The lawyer Jacob Kyllinger (died 1646) emphasises that “the appointment of this supplicant is a necessity”, referring in his statement to the town’s cantor. In addition, it was important that the church “be refreshed, delighted and embellished in these sad, miserable times” through music.
The second scribe, the pastor and superintendent of Nördlingen Georg Albrecht (1601-1647, “M. Georgius Albrecht”), goes even further: “Fine music is the most excellent art among all those on earth,” for it even resounds in heaven. “Because this praiseworthy imperial city is praised everywhere for its beautiful church music” and the applicant will certainly contribute to its promotion, Albrecht asks that Klotz be hired “so that the gracious Heavenly Father may be honoured by hymns and accompanying music” and “be inspired to even more good deeds”.
Peter Klotz had studied for five years with the town piper Johann Heinrich Hetsch (born 1607, died after 1666) in Dinkelsbühl. However, this could not keep him busy any longer due to the difficult circumstances of the time. One year after this letter, there is evidence that Klotz is a town musician in Nördlingen.
The devastating living conditions during the 30 Years’ War leave visible traces in this document: both in the hardship of the musicians and in the longing of the people for joy and distraction through good music.
