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Born: December 26, 1931 - Utrech, the Netherlands
Died: September 12, 2010 - Eindhoven, the Netherlands |
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The Dutch harpsichordist and organist, Gerard Dekker (Rean name: Gerardus Hendrikus Christianus Dekker), received his musical training at the Nederlands Instituut voor Katholieke Kerkmuziek in Utrecht (organ and choir conducting), the Brabant Conservatory in Tilburg (piano and theory of the music), and the Amsterdam Conservatory (harpsichord).
Gerard Dekker stated his career as pianist, organist and choir-master, but since 1964 he committed himself exclusively to harpsichord and organ playing, his marked speciality being the interpretation of old masters in particular. However, his organ repertoire encompasses works of all style periods. He gives many concerts as a solo-player, at home as well as abroad. Furthermore he is much asked continuo-player. He has given series of concerts in London, performed many times in Belgium (Vaandoeren Festival a.o.) and gave concerts in Germany, Norway, East German Republic, Spain, France and Macedonia. He appeared as harpsichordist and organ soloist with several Dutch, Belgian and German orchestras.
Gerard Dekker makes a lot of chamber music in various small ensembles. He became known mainly because of his numerous recitals for radio, in which he interprets old music in the original tuning. He repeatedly performed for television in Holland and Germany. His researches in the field of old tuning, with which he - concerning the practice appliance - got through a good deal of pioneering work in Holland, and about which he has written articles in various musical magazines, even attracted the attention of authorities in this field like professor A.O. Fokker.
Next to his extensive concert practice, Gerard Dekker is attached to Conservatory of Brabant in Tilburg, teaching harpsichord, basso continuo and interpretation. He was engaged as the harpsichordist of the chamber orchestras Camerata Antonio Lucio and Concerto Rotterdam, and he forms highly estimated duos with the violist Emmy Verhey and with the flutist Raymond Delnoye.
Gerard Dekker's harpsichord and organ playing is documented on many LP's and CD's, on labels as Editio Laran, EMI-His Master’s Voice, RCA, Philips and KRO Klassiek. He received the Johan-Wagenaarstichting for his performances and recordings of Dutch music. |
