Hans Bakker

After he finished his studies piano, church organ, and choral conducting at the Dutch Institute for Church Music in Utrecht, Hans Bakker (b. 1945) worked as a teacher at two music schools in the Netherlands. He also conducted two choirs and was active in the improvisational music scene. His career in music was followed by the study of Sanskrit. After obtaining his master’s degree at the University of Amsterdam, he returned to music, becoming completely occupied by teaching at Globe Center for Art and Culture in the city of Hilversum. 

Initially, composing was only a minor occupation next to Bakker’s other work. Since 1997 it has become a daily activity. He wrote a great number of chamber music works and many choir compositions. He also composed works for orchestra and pieces for carillon, the violin concerto Kairos — in commission — and 14 organ works, most recently in 2021.

His first album THE UNNAMED SOURCE (2010) features moving performances by the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Vit Micka and an astounding array of its instrumentalists.

Later on Bakker’s works have been featured on the Navona Records releases SLICES (2012), and SEEKING & FINDING (2012) with seven choral works performed by the Kühn Choir Prague. DANCES OF ETERNITY (2013) with two orchestral works: Canzona L’altra Persona and Canzona II Tribute to the Sun was followed by the chamber works compilation PINNACLE (2016).

Bakker’s next release was the duo album LINES TO INFINITY (2017), which revolves around scores for piano, cello, clarinet, and flute. Other releases include TOMORROW’S Air (2017), which shows that classical music can hit a greater audience; the compilation album LEGENDS & LIGHT (2018), including Canzona III Hidden in Her Light for orchestra, and FIGMENTS VOL 2 (2019), including Tiento I & II for guitar solo.The compilation album VOICES OF EARTH AND AIR VOL. 3 (2020) contains three choral works: Rat for TTBB and SATB, and Ich habe den Menschen gesehen for SATB. You can find and listen to all the above on all major distribution platforms.

About his works: “Since 1997 the source of my music started to flow after I became acquainted with the writings of the German painter Joseph Anton Schneiderfranken, also known as Bô Yin Râ. I believe in the power of artistic beauty and lyricism. In my view, music need not necessarily be easy for the ear, but it should be accessible to the mind; and must be able to tune the receptive listener.”