Page:History of the German people at the close of the Middle Ages vol1.djvu/260

 248 HISTORY OF THE GERMAN PEOPLE had already earned high reputations as organists. Conrad Baumann, born blind in Nuremberg, reached such per- fection that the poet Hans Kosenplut, in writing of his playing, said, ' He restores courage to the dis- heartened.' Noch ist em maister in diesem gedicht, Der hat mangel an seinem gesicht, Der hayst mauster Conrad Paumann, Dem hat got solche gnad gedan, Dass er ein mayster ob alien mayster ist Wan er tregt yn seitnem sinnen list Dy musica mit yrm sussen don. Solt man durch kunst einem meister kron, Er trug wol anf von golt ein knon. ' This poem tells of another who has lost his sight. His name is Conrad Baumann, and God has granted him to be master of masters. His subtle art draws forth music's sweetest tone. Surely if man honours art his must be the golden crown.' He was a visitor at many Courts, and the recipient of rich presents on his leaving them, particularly at those of Frederick (the Emperor) and the Dukes of Ferrara and Mantua. Italy raised him to the dignity of knighthood in recognition of his great talent. He ended his days at Munich in 1473, at the Court of the music-loving Duke Albrecht III. of Bavaria. Bau- mann's works are the oldest evidences which remain of proficiency in instrumental composition. They are proof that the organ was played very generally in Germany at a period when it was almost unknown in other parts of Europe. After Baumann may be mentioned Paul Hofheimer from Eadstadt, Court organist to Maximilian, as the father of the highest method. In writing of him Ottmar Nachtigall says : ' He was never wearisome by