Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

June 20, 1899

Death

:

March 9, 1965

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Symphony

 

Anthon van der Horst was a Dutch composer, organist, and conductor who made significant contributions to the world of classical music during the 20th century. Born on March 18, 1899, in Amsterdam, van der Horst showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano at the age of six. He later switched to the organ and became a student of the renowned Dutch organist and composer, Jan Zwart. Van der Horst's musical career began in earnest in the 1920s when he became the organist at the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled performer and was soon in demand as a concert organist throughout Europe. In addition to his work as a performer, van der Horst also began composing his own music, which was heavily influenced by the works of Bach and other Baroque composers. One of van der Horst's most significant contributions to the world of classical music was his work as a conductor. In 1930, he founded the Amsterdam Bach Society, which was dedicated to the performance of Bach's music. Under van der Horst's leadership, the society became one of the most respected ensembles in Europe, and he was widely regarded as one of the foremost interpreters of Bach's music. Van der Horst's reputation as a conductor continued to grow throughout the 1930s and 1940s, and he was invited to conduct orchestras and choirs throughout Europe and the United States. In 1949, he was appointed the conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he held until 1962. During his tenure with the orchestra, van der Horst conducted numerous premieres of contemporary works and was widely praised for his innovative programming. In addition to his work as a conductor, van der Horst continued to compose throughout his career. His works were often inspired by his love of Bach's music, and he was known for his use of counterpoint and other Baroque techniques. Some of his most famous works include his organ concerto, which was premiered in 1938, and his choral work, "The Passion According to St. Matthew," which was first performed in 1946. Van der Horst's contributions to the world of classical music were widely recognized during his lifetime. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Orange-Nassau, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a Dutch citizen. He was also awarded honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Utrecht and the University of Amsterdam. Despite his many accomplishments, van der Horst remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He continued to perform, conduct, and compose until his death on March 12, 1965, at the age of 65. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important figures in the world of classical music, and his contributions to the field continue to inspire musicians and audiences around the world.

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