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Leo van Doeselaar

Ph credits Eduardus Lee

Where were you born? In Goes (Netherlands, near Belgium).

Where do you live? Hilversum (NL).

Why did you start playing music? At 5 I always attended services, where my parents alternately played the organ. The choice for organ wasn‘t too difficult.

What is/are your favourite instrument(s)? Organ, Erard-piano and (historical) bassoon.

What music did you listen to as a child? Especially symphonic rock, jazz-rock and monthly Bach Cantatas and organ works.

What was your first record? Brandenburger Concertos by Bach and Symphony Pathétique by Tsjajkovski.

What musical period would you like to live in? In many: Venice around 1600, Vienna (1780-1830) or Paris (1880-1930).           

Where do you prefer to listen to music?  In concert.

Where can we find you when you are not making music?

Reading, walking, being in Italy, enjoying nature, travelling and eating well.

Where did you study? In Amsterdam, Paris and Ithaca (NY).

What awards have you received? ECHO Klassik, Preis der deutschen Schalplattenkritik, Grammy Award, Edison, Sweelinckprijs.

Who is your favourite composer? Bach (of course….) On the second place u.a. Monteverdi, Carl Philipp Em.Bach, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Franck, Brahms, Debussy, Stravinsky, Berg and Janacek.

Which composer would you like the public to rediscover? Carl Philipp, Emanuel Bach.

What is your first recording? Bach & Sons Sonates for flute and organ (1981).

What is your favourite recording? (Passacaglia, with you) Dialoghi Musicali (with Liuwe Tamminga)

What is your favourite Passacaille recording? (Passacaille, other artist)   Ex tenebris ad lucem.

Who do you dream of recording with? (realistic or not) Christoph Prégardien or Jordi Savall.

Which piece have you never recorded but would like to? The great Choralphantasy on An Wasserflüssen Babylon by Bach’s mentor Jan Adamsz Reincken.       

What do you do before a concert? Talking, chatting and not concentrating on the concert.

What do you do after a concert? Talking, eating and drinking something, preferably with some nice colleagues.         

What would you do if you were not a musician?

Maybe vinologist.