A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Rink, Johann
RINK or RINCK, Johann Christian Heinrich, the celebrated organist and composer for his instrument, born at Elgersburg in Saxe-Gotha, Feb. 18, 1770, and died at Darmstadt, Aug. 7, 1846. His talent developed itself at an early period, and, like Johann Schneider [see that name], he had the advantage of a direct traditional reading of the works of Sebastian Bach, having studied at Erfurt under Kittel, one of the great composer's best pupils. Rink having sat at the feet of Forkel at the University of Göttingen, obtained in 1789 the organistship of Giessen, where he held several other musical appointments. In 1806 he became organist at Darmstadt, and 'professor' at its college; in 1813 was appointed Court organist, and in 1817 chamber musician to the Grand Duke (Ludwig I). Rink made several artistic tours in Germany, his playing always eliciting much admiration. At Trèves, in 1827, he was greeted with special honour. He received various decorations, in 1831 membership of the Dutch Society for Encouragement of Music; in 1838 the cross of the first class from his Grand Duke; in 1840 'Doctor of Philosophy and Arts' from the University of Giessen. Out of his 125 works a few are for chamber, including sonatas for PF., violin, and violoncello, and PF. duets. But his reputation is based on his organ music, or rather on his 'Practical Organ School,' a standard work. Rink's compositions for his instrument show no trace of such sublime influence as might have been looked for from a pupil, in the second generation, of Bach; indeed throughout them fugue-writing is conspicuous by its absence. But without attaining the high standard which has been reached by living composers for the instrument in Germany, his organ-pieces contain much that is interesting to an organ student, and never degenerate into the debased and flippant style of the French or English organ-music so prevalent at present.
Rink's name will always live as that of an executant, and of a safe guide towards the formation of a sound and practical organ-player; and his works comprise many artistic studies. Amongst these the more important are the 'Practical Organ School,' in six divisions (op. 55), and 'Preludes for Chorales,' issued at various periods. He also composed for the church a 'Pater Noster' for four voices with organ (op. 59); motets, 'Praise the Lord' (op. 88) and 'God be merciful' (op. 109); 12 chorales for men's voices, etc.