Mikołaj of Chrzanów. New findings concerning the biography of the organist and composer

Dorota Żurek

Abstract

This article represents an attempt to review the biography of Mikołaj of Chrzanów – a famous composer and organist of Kraków Cathedral active in the first half of the sixteenth century. Analysis of previous academic findings revealed gaps and contradictory information. Further preliminary research in the Archives of Kraków Cathedral Chapter and the Metropolitan Curia in Kraków, as well as the Municipal Records of both Kraków and, most importantly, Chrzanów, not previously studied from this perspective, resulted in the discovery of new records concerning Mikołaj and his family. Adding the new findings to the previously available information has made it possible to systematise the current state of knowledge and to offer new insights. It has been established that Mikołaj came from the minor nobility, and not from the peasantry or townsfolk, as was believed. In the late fifteenth century, his father, Mikołaj Gądek, became a burgher of Chrzanów, where he settled permanently. Analysis of the sources has made it possible to retrace the biography of Mikołaj Gądek, mining overseer of Chrzanów and holder of other offices in the town. His son, also Mikołaj, after completing his studies, became organist of Wawel Cathedral in Kraków and remained associated with the cathedral and the city for the rest of his life. He moved home several times: he initially lived in the psalm singers’ house on Wawel Hill, then moved to an estate in Kazimierz, near Kraków, before eventually settling on Grodzka Street in Kraków. In all likelihood, the new findings confirm the hypothesis according to which Mikołaj of Chrzanów and Mikołaj Bętkowski were in fact the same person. Also, it has been discovered that the organist was married twice and had at least three children, a daughter and two sons. It is probable that additional preliminary research in the vast municipal archives in Kraków would reveal information about his widow and children. Providing for his family required considerable financial outlay, which forced Mikołaj to continuously seek new sources of income. On several occasions, he complained to the Chapter about his difficult financial situation. Held in great esteem by the Cathedral milieu, he died in 1563.