Prière, op. 120 (2015)

André de Jager (1964–2023) — Prière, op. 120 (2015) for organ

Dutch organist and composer André de Jager (1964–2023) began organ lessons at age nine and later studied with organist Jan van den Berg in Delft. In the following years, he studied with Bert van Oosten in the Hague and with Sophie-Véronique Cauchefer-Choplin in Paris. As a performer, de Jager’s primary interest was the French romantic organ repertoire, a style which also strongly influences nearly all his own compositions. He wrote many organ works, including five symphonies and his own set of “24 Pieces in Free Style” in tribute to Vierne. In 1980, he became organist of the Bethlehemkerk in Papendrecht, and in 2016 was appointed city organist of Papendrecht. For his service to the French organ repertoire, he received the bronze (2007) and silver (2014) medals from the French Société Académique d'éducation et d'encouragement “Arts, Sciences, Lettres” in Paris. News of an operable brain tumor in October 2022 allowed time for a few final recital performances and several last awards: a medal from the Protestant Church in the Netherlands for 42 years of service as a church organist, a gold medal on behalf of OP Papendrecht (2022), and a honorary membership of COV Soli Deo Gloria Sliedrecht.

Published by Keys and Notes Papendrecht (andredejager.nl)