Klerk, Albert de

Klerk, Albert de, Dutch organist, choral conductor, pedagogue, and composer; b. Haarlem, Oct. 4, 1917; d. there, Dec. 1, 1998. He was a student of A. van der Horst (organ) and H. Andriessen (analysis) at the Amsterdam Cons. (1934-39; graduated, 1939), receiving the Prix d’Excellence in 1941. In 1934 he became organist at the St. Joseph Church in Haarlem, a post he retained for 60 years. He also served as conductor of the Catholic Choir (1946–91) and city organist (1956–83) in Haarlem. He was prof, of organ at the Inst. for Catholic Church Music in Utrecht (1946–64), and then at the Amsterdam Cons. (1965–85). As an organist, he toured as a recitalist, being particularly admired for his improvisational skills. His repertoire was an extensive one, and included the complete organ works of Franck and H. Andriessen.

Works

orch.: 2 organ concertos (1941, 1964); Cantabile (1952); Suite Concertante for Organ and Strings (1976); Dans van de eeuwige bomen (1986). chamber: Sonatine for Violin and Cello (1937); Fantasie for Violin and Piano (1950); Concerto for Organ, 2 Horns, 2 Trumpets, and 2 Trombones (1967); Fantasia for Flute and Piano (1985); Sequensen for Flute and Piano (1989). Organ: Sonata (1940); Prelude and Fugue (1940); Inventions (1945); 10 Pieces (2 parts, 1946); Ricercare (1950); Octo Fantasiae super themata Gregoriana (1953); 12 Images (1969); Très Meditationes Sacra (1992-93). vocal:Jam lucis orto sidere for High Voice and Orch. (1942–43); Stabat Mater for Alto, Tenor, Chorus, and Chamber Orch. (1952); Mater Sanctus Laelitiae for Women’s Chorus, Flute, English Horn, and Bassoon (1957); Super omnia, cantata for Alto, Chorus, and Organ (1960); 5 noëls français for Alto and 10 Winds (1963); Laudate Dominum (Psalm 150) for Chorus and Organ (1968); Te Deum for Chorus and Orch. (1979); In Honorem Sancti Bavonis for Youth Chorus and Orch. (1983); 10 masses; many motets.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire