MASTERFUL ORGAN CONSTRUCTION IN KIRCHHEIDE

Ernst Klassmeier was born in Kirchheide on the 2nd of February 1840.

He finished an apprenticeship as a piano craftsman with Theodor Mann in Bielefeld and he aquired more years of education in Osnabrueck with master organ builder Kramer.

After that followed an apprenticeship with the 'prime master of the art of organ building' Ladegast in Weissenfels.

In order to build an organ for his church community, he became selfemployed in 1872 at the age of 32. That was the foundation of the famous organ building institution in Kirchheide, which was very well known by organ builders throughout all of Germany.

Ernst Klassmeier was of an artistic nature, and had the determination and ability to submit only masterpieces for sale. These and his wonderful business skills led to the creation of
the organ building institute of Ernst Klassmeier. Which soon was
counted as one of the most respected of its kind in Germany. Even though the little village of Kirchheide was not the best location for business and far away from both buyers and efficent transportation, Klassmeir's strong reputation exclusively produced its' own advertising for the organ institude.

Hundreds of organs were crafted in Klassmeier's workshop, which can be found all over Germany. His pieces also crossed over the borders of Germany to Argentina, Asia and Smyrna.

Even though he was very successful with his business, Ernst
Klassmeier stayed a simple man that walked his way to work every day with his token umbrella and suitcase of tools in hand.

Before Ernst Klassmeier died at the old age of 86 on January 16th 1926, he left his work to his son. His son had learned all the musical and technic skills from his father that he would need to follow in his footsteps. His masterpieces remain as witnesses of a remarkable human, who was born, grew up, old and died on Lippish ground.

source: Menschen vom lippischen Boden, Max Stearcke, 1936 Meiersche Hofbuchhandlung, Detmold

Translated into English by Sarah Blum-Sheller and Tarik Sheller.