Ewald Kooiman Passed On At Age 70

[heva]

Last saturday while on a holiday in Egypt, prof.dr. Ewald Kooiman died at age 70.

[Guest Nigel ALLCOAT]

Last saturday while on a holiday in Egypt, prof.dr. Ewald Kooiman died at age 70.

 

This news comes as a great shock. If you are able to ascertain more details, I know that many would be most grateful to know them. The world has lost a glorious musical guru of the first order. His wisdom and great knowledge was lovingly imparted to students in all manner of ways and places. His playing was quite inspiring and his love of research coupled to it, made him unique. Having taught for me since 1987 in ISOC, we have all lost a friend of priceless worth. For one, it has been my greatest privilege to have known him all these years and the loss of his help and guidance in almost everything musical, can never be forgotten nor replaced. A sad day.

Nigel

[AJJ]

I once heard him play here when I was a teenager - it was an incredible performance of Bach etc. on a slightly odd instrument that nevertheless had a lasting memory.

 

A

[David Coram]

I recall his performance at the University Church, Oxford of some verset stuff with non-existent plainsong not sung by a choir directed by the great Magnus Williamson, which tended to get as far as the second word before everybody wet themselves laughing. It was an awe inspiring organ performance however.

 

On the same course (NJA 1989) we were a trifle late finishing a splendid lunch and there was Dr K in the corner with a huuuuge cigar. "Just another inch, please" he boomed.

 

Has anyone read his voorworts to Lefebure-Wely editions? Something like "These pieces do not belong to the category of forgotten masterpieces. This is indeed a quality which they share with the entire output of this composer."

[Guest Nigel ALLCOAT]

Ewald's family have let me know that his funeral will take place tomorrow (4th February) at 10.30am in the Westerkerk, Amsterdam.

 

The Westerkerk was officially opened on Whitsunday 1631. It is one of the oldest churches especially built for the Protestant services, and the largest as such church in the Netherlands.

The tower, which occupies a unique place in the affections of the people of Amsterdam, bears the symbol of the imperial crown of Maximilian of Austria, which was his gift to the city in gratitude for support given to the Austro-Burgundian princes. It has inspired many songs and poems and remains a symbol of the city for Amsterdammers abroad.

Rembrandt, one of the world's most famous painters, was buried in the church.

Near the church and in view of the tower, Anne Frank wrote her diary in the Annex, her hiding place from the Nazis.

In 1966 Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus were married in the church.

Not until 1686, when organ accompaniment to singing had become customary, was the Westerkerk organ built by the father and son team of Duyschot. In 1727 is was considerably extended by Vater, and it was further enlarged in the 19th century. Between 1988 and 1991 Flentrop of Zaandam restored the organ as nearly as possible to its original condition of 1686/1727.

Gerard de Lairesse painted the organ shutters; those of the main organ case portraying a dancing David preceding the Ark, and the Queen of Sheba bringing gifts to Solomon; those of the front-positive with lovely depictions of now rare musical instruments. Bach-cantatas are performed regularly in the church, and for this a special choir-organ is used.

 

Jos van der Kooy has been the organist since before the restoration of the magnificent organ. Ewald's daughter is married to Jos' brother. It will be a most sad day in Amsterdam tomorrow and when we can in our own way, I know that we shall give great thanks for the life of a person who was a shining beacon in the world of the organ in Europe. Thankfully we have a multitude of seminal recordings which, along with his writings and a multitude of professorial anecdotes, will provide a lasting memorial to him for years to come.

 

Nigel