Rien Looij
More than 679 times played this month
I was born on December 26, 1966, and at a very young age, I was already playing the 'Psalms of David' from the Worp music book, using the often-used Klavarscribo notation on the old pedal organ, a 'Mannborg harmonium.' I also often played by ear, but over time, questions arose such as, how can I learn more about what is musically possible?
It wasn't until I was about thirty years old that I began organ lessons with P. Kieviet. After going through the first three Folk Dean lesson books, I was soon able to start with 'literature'! I was also greatly fascinated by lessons in subjects such as harmony theory.
I regularly provide music in the local hospital during church services, and upon invitation, I also play background music for events like funerals, receptions, and anniversaries.
Although the organ is undoubtedly the most impressive instrument, I have always been fascinated by the synthesizer, especially because of the limitless possibilities to reproduce instrumental sounds as realistically as possible. The capabilities of a good synthesizer keyboard go much further than those of an organ keyboard.
As for recordings, my personal challenge is to make a recording in one take without extra dubbing. For example, with a harder key press, I can make additional instruments sound, such as adding an oboe or trumpet in a church organ registration.
Since the instruments I play are not as commonly used in the Reformed tradition as the organ and piano, I hope that listeners can also appreciate these musical instruments
