Ewald Kooiman, Dutch organist and educator (b. 1938)

Ewald Kooiman, a distinguished Dutch organist and scholar, was born on June 14, 1938, in Wormer, a picturesque village in North Holland, Netherlands. His profound impact on the world of classical music, particularly his groundbreaking interpretations of the organ works of Johann Sebastian Bach, cemented his legacy. Kooiman passed away on January 25, 2009, in Hurghada, Egypt, leaving behind a remarkable body of work and a significant influence on historical performance practice.

A Dual Passion: Music and Languages

Kooiman's intellectual curiosity extended beyond the organ console, encompassing a notable academic career. He was a highly regarded professor of Romance languages at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, a prestigious institution in the Netherlands. This unique duality – a virtuoso musician deeply immersed in the humanities – provided him with a distinctive analytical approach to both his musical studies and his academic pursuits. His scholarly rigor, honed through linguistic and literary research, significantly informed his meticulous approach to historical performance practice in music.

Formative Musical Education and Influences

His journey to becoming one of the most respected organists of his generation began with an exceptional education under two highly influential figures in organ music:

• Piet Kee in Amsterdam: Kooiman's studies in Amsterdam with the renowned Dutch organist Piet Kee provided him with a solid foundation in the rich Dutch organ tradition. Piet Kee (1927–2018) was celebrated for his improvisational prowess and innovative approaches to organ repertoire, particularly his interpretations of Bach. Kee's teaching undoubtedly instilled in Kooiman a deep understanding of structure, counterpoint, and the expressive capabilities of the organ.
• Jean Langlais in Paris: Following his studies in the Netherlands, Kooiman sought further mastery in Paris, learning from the legendary French organist and composer Jean Langlais. Langlais (1907–1991), a blind musician of extraordinary talent, was a significant figure in the French organ school, known for his improvisations and compositions that blended Gregorian chant with contemporary harmonies. This exposure to both the Dutch and French organ traditions provided Kooiman with a broad and multifaceted perspective on organ playing and interpretation.

Legacy as a Bach Interpreter and Scholar

Ewald Kooiman is primarily celebrated for his monumental project of recording the complete organ works of J.S. Bach. What set his recordings apart was his unwavering commitment to historical performance practice. He meticulously researched and selected historical organs, often those from Bach's own time or built in the style of that era, to ensure authentic soundscapes. His interpretations were characterized by clarity, intellectual rigor, and a profound respect for Bach's original intentions, aiming to recreate the sound and spirit of the Baroque period. These recordings, which spanned many years, became a benchmark for future generations of organists and scholars, providing invaluable insights into the performance of Baroque organ music.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ewald Kooiman

What was Ewald Kooiman's primary contribution to organ music?

Ewald Kooiman is best known for his integral recordings of the complete organ works of Johann Sebastian Bach, which he performed on historically significant instruments. His work was pivotal in advancing historical performance practice in organ music.

Where did Ewald Kooiman study organ?

He studied organ in Amsterdam with Piet Kee, a prominent Dutch organist, and later in Paris with the celebrated French organist and composer Jean Langlais.

What was Ewald Kooiman's other profession?

In addition to his career as an organist, Ewald Kooiman was a professor of Romance languages at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, showcasing his remarkable intellectual breadth.

Why are Ewald Kooiman's Bach recordings significant?

His recordings are considered significant because of his meticulous adherence to historical performance practices, including the use of period-appropriate organs. This approach provided a deeper understanding of how Bach's music might have sounded during his own time.