Named in memory of the famous organist and composer Nicolaus Bruhns (1665–1697), born at Schwab-stedt, near Husum (Schleswig in the north of Germany), as a descendant of an old family of musicians. He got his first lessons at the organ from his father Paul Bruhns, a pupil of Franz Tunder {see planet  (7871)}. In 1681 he went to the city of Lübeck, to study the organ and composition with Dietrich Buxtehude {see planet  (4344)} and the violin and viola da gamba with his uncle Peter Bruhns. He was noted for his virtuosity, sometimes playing the upper parts on the violin - with accompaniment from an appropriate pedal bass part with his feet. (M 20522) _ _.