Ben van Oosten
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Ben Van Oosten (born 1955 in the Hague, Netherlands) is an Organist, Professor and Author.
Ben Van Oosten gave his first organ recital in 1970 at the age of 15. He was accepted at the prestigious Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam and studied organ with Albert de Klerk and piano with Berthe Davelaar. He graduated cum laude in 1979 with a diploma in organ solo.
He completed advanced studies in Paris, France. Whether by geographical influence or artistic choice, he gravitated toward the French Romantic Organ school of the 19th Century that had its origins in the new Symphonic organs of Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. Van Oosten subsequently became one of the greatest practitioners and interpreters of organ works from that era. Among his recordings are the complete works of Marcel Dupre, the complete works of Charles Marie Widor, the major works of Louis Vierne (Fantasie Pieces, 24 Pieces in Style Libre and the complete Organ Symphonies) and the sonatas of Alexandre Guilmant.
Besides maintaining a heavy recital schedule and an active private teaching practice, he serves as organist for Grote Kerk (Hague) and is a Professor of Music at Rotterdam Conservatory in the Netherlands. He has also written a biography of Charles Marie Widor and his works, Vater der Orgelsymphonie [1]. Among the honors and awards he has received are the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik and the Diapason d'Or. In 1998, the French government awarded him the honorary rank of Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his efforts in reviving the French Romantic tradition.
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Discography
Jacque-Nicolas Lemmens: Organ Works Louis Vierne: Complete Organ Symphonies Louis Vierne: 24 Pieces de Fantasie Louis Vierne: 24 Pieces en style libre Marcel Dupré: Complete Works for Organ Charles Marie Widor: Complete Works for Organ Lefébure-Wély: Organ Works Alexandre Guilmant: Complete Organ Symphonies Les Angéles: French Sacred Music
