John Zundel

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John Zundel (1815 - 1882)1 Organist, composer, arranger, and pedagogue.


Perhaps best known for his hymn tune, "Beecher."


Zundel was born in Württemberg, Germany and emigrated to New York City in 1847. In New York he held various church appointments as organist including at Plymouth Church in Brooklyn where he briefly worked with Henry Ward Beecher, inspiring the composition of the hymn tune by the same name.1


Zundel's lasting contributions to music pedagogy are his instructional texts. Principally, Zundel's Harmony2 and Zundel's Melodeon Instructor3, which are practically oriented texts written primarily for students of the organ or similar instruments.

Additionally, Zundel composed a number of preludes, postludes, voluntaries, and fantasies suitable for church services.4


Zundel returned to his native country before his death in 1882.


Works Cited


  • 1. Arnold, Corliss Richard. Organ Literature: A Comprehensive Survey. 3rd ed. Vol. 2. Metuchen, NJ: Scarecrow Press, 1995.
  • 2. Zundel, John. Treatise on Harmony and Modulation: being an exposition of the rules of harmony, thoroughbass and composition, practically illustrated by numerous examples and especially designed for young organists, composers and amateurs. New York, NY: S.T. Gordon, 1862.
  • 3. Zundel, John. The complete melodeon instructor, in seven parts. Designed as a thorough instruction book for the melodeon, seraphine, eolican, melopean, organ, or any similar instrument. Boston, MA: O. Ditson, 1853.
  • 4. Zundel, John. Original Organ Compositions: A collection of corrected pieces for advanced players and of voluntaries for all occasions in church services. Boston, MA: O. Ditson, 1878.
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