Abraham van den Kerckhoven

Abraham van den Kerckhoven (c. 1618 – c. 1701) was a Flemish organist and composer. He was active in Brussels, working as organist at the local Saint Catherine’s Church and as court organist. He was held in high regard by his contemporaries. A single collection of his works survives, containing numerous short versets and several longer works for organ, displaying his mastery of counterpoint and revealing the influence of various other composers, particularly Peeter Cornet. Biography The exact date and place of van den Kerckhoven’s birth is unknown. It is likely that he was born around 1618. The van den Kerckhoven family, which was active in Brussels as early as the late 16th century, included many distinguished artists, singers, and organists. Several van den Kerckhovens served at the royal chapel, and many were organists at local churches. From about 1632 Abraham was working in Brussels as second organist at the Saint Catherine’s Church (Sint-Katharinakerk or Sint-Katerijnekerk), and in 1634 he became first organist of the same church, succeeding one François Cornet. Van den Kerckhoven held the position for almost 70 years, until his death in late 1701. He was apparently able to c