Heckel, Johann Adam
Heckel, Johann Adam
Musical instrument maker
Born: 14.07.1812 in Adorf (Vogtland)
died: 13.04.1877 in Biebrich
After training as an instrument maker in Adorf, Heckel joined the Mainz-based company B. Schott's Söhne on his travels in 1829. There he met the bassoonist Carl Almenräder (1786-1843). Their shared interest in the manufacture of woodwind instruments prompted them to found the company "Werkstätte zur Herstellung feiner Holzblasinstrumente" together in Biebrich in 1831.
They developed the "Almenräder-Heckel bassoon", which was made from the best maple wood. It was characterized by an even sound strength. After Carl Almenräder's death, Heckel continued to run the workshop alone. In 1845, he was appointed "Duchy of Nassau Court Instrument Maker". Important artists, including Richard Wagner, visited his company. Shortly before his death, Heckel designed a contrabassoon with a length of around six meters and triple bends. The workshop was continued by his son and grandchildren.
Heckel was also committed to the community. In 1849, he was elected to the central board of the Nassau Trade Association. He also founded a trade association in Biebrich. In 1851, he was co-founder of the Biebrich volunteer fire department and deputy fire director. He also played a role in the Biebrich shooting club.
Literature
Heckel, Wilhelm: Der Fagott, 2nd edition, Leipzig 1931.
Spiegel, Margit: Wiesbadener Firmenbriefköpfe aus der Kaiserzeit 1871-1914. Fabrik- und Hotelansichten auf Geschäftsschreiben und Rechnungen. 50 examples with brief company portraits, vol. 1, Wiesbaden 2003 [pp. 88-91].
Biebrich - small and large events over the course of 2000 years, compiled by Reiner Winkler. Contains: Famous people from Biebrich - their lives, their work, edited by Rolf Faber. Ed.: Verschönerungsverein Biebrich, Wiesbaden 2005 [p. 241].