Heinrich Neal

Heinrich Neal was a German Kapellmeister at Heidelberg, born to the artist David Dalhoff Neal and Marie Ainmiller, and brother to dramatist Maximilian Dalhoff Neal. His grandfather was the great glass painter Max Emanuel Ainmiller.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article on Heinrich Neal.

From the period sources

Heinrich Neal, identified as the author of Hist. of the Puritans, vol. I (1875), offered a detailed account of religious practices in Queen Elizabeth’s chapel and various cathedrals. According to A General History of the Science and Practice of Music, Vol. 2 (1875), Neal asserted that the altar was “furnished with rich plate, with two gilt candlesticks, with lighted candles, and a massy crucifix in the midst.” He further claimed that services were sung not only with organs but also “with the artificial music of cornets, sacbuts, &c. on solemn festivals.” Neal observed that the ceremonies of the Knights of the Garter, including their adoration towards the altar, were retained, making the service so “splendid and showy, that foreigners could not distinguish it from the Roman, except that it was performed in the English tongue.” He suggested that this method “deceived” most Popish laity into conformity for a period, until the Pope intervened. The General History also notes that Neal “invidiously mentioned” the fact that Roman Catholics initially resorted to churches without contradiction, a point supported by a letter from the queen and Sir Edward Coke’s assertions.