Christiaan Hermanus Cornelis Alvares

Christiaan Hermanus Cornelis Alvares
Born
Christiaan Hermanus Cornelis Alvares

1901
Paramaribo, Surinam
Died1994
Haarlem, Netherlands
NationalityDutch
Occupation(s)Musician, composer, conductor, and educator

Christiaan Hermanus Cornelis Alvares (1901–1994) was a Surinamese musician, composer, conductor, and educator known for his contributions to classical music in both Suriname and the Netherlands.[1][2][3] His diverse talents encompassed playing the organ, piano, flute, and cello, as well as conducting, composition, and teaching.

Early life and education

Born in Paramaribo, Suriname, to a family of Creole and Sephardic Jewish descent,[4] Alvares grew up in a deeply religious environment. Under the mentorship of Brother Anselmus (Carel Bonten), Alvares received formal music education, which began with training in organ and piano.[5] His skills expanded to include the flute and cello. Alvares' musical abilities caught the attention of Brother Anselmus, leading him to become the organist of the St. Alphonsus Church at a young age in 1916.[6]

Career

Throughout his tenure in Suriname, Alvares held positions as an organist and conductor. Notably, in 1929, he assumed the role of organist at the St. Rosa Church,[7] a position he held for decades, interrupted only by his service as a deputy organist at the Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral in Paramaribo. His contributions extended beyond organ playing, as he also led the men's choir and became known for his skills in harmonium playing.[8][9][10][11][12]

In 1963, Alvares relocated to Haarlem, the Netherlands. He served as the conductor of the Women's Choir and acted as a substitute organist at the Goede Herderkerk in Schalkwijk, Haarlem, until his death in 1994.

Alvares also made contributions as an educator. He taught at the St. Clemens School and later at the St. Paulus School.

In 1954, on the occasion of his 25th anniversary as organist at the St. Rosa Church, he was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal by Pope Pius XII. Later, in 1991, on his 90th birthday and 75th anniversary as an organist, Queen Beatrix honored him by conferring the title of Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau.[13] He was the only Surinamese musician to have been awarded both honors in his lifetime.[1]

Musical contributions and compositions

Although Alvares did not consider himself a composer in the traditional sense, his compositions reflected his multifaceted musical abilities. Under the guidance of Brother Anselmus, Alvares composed church and patronage songs, often experimenting with well-known texts. Notably, he contributed waltzes, marches, and other pieces for the orchestra Amicitia, founded by Brother Anselmus. In addition to Amicitia, some of his compositions were performed by the Military Band. Works composed by Alvares include:[1][2]

  • Josef waltz (violins 1, 2, 3, cello, piano)
  • Hugo March (violins 1, 2, 3, piano)
  • Valse d'Armand (violins etc. and piano)
  • Amicitia March (piano)
  • Valse de Max (violins and flute)
  • Olympia March (piano)
  • Marche de François (piano)
  • Marche de Guillaume (piano)
  • Valse de Charles (piano)
  • Valse de Henri (violins etc. and piano)
  • Valse de César (violins etc. and piano)

Family

In 1934, Alvares married Louisa Eleonora Niemel.[14] They had seven children, including six daughters and a son.

References

  1. ^ a b c Leefmans, Johannes. "Klassieke componisten uit Suriname." OSO: Tijdschrift voor Surinaamse taalkunde, letterkunde en geschiedenis. Jaargang 19 (2000).
  2. ^ a b "75 Jaar organist – Ik speel tot mijn handen het niet meer doen." Gesprek van de dag, Haarlems Dagblad, 26 October 1991.
  3. ^ Tony van Verre ontmoet Albert Helman, De Gooise Uitgeverij/Unieboek, Bussum, p. 22, De Standaard Uitgeverij, Antwerpen.
  4. ^ "Besnijdenissen en geboorten bij de Portugees-Israëlitische Gemeente in Suriname 1662 —1866." C.W.A.A. Nassy. P. 13.
  5. ^ Nieuws van overal – In memoriam Carel Bonten, Het nieuws : Algemeen Dagblad, 04-06-1946
  6. ^ Van Hier en Daar – Vereeniging voor Handel en Nijnerheid – Cor Anijs, De Surinamer : nieuws- en advertentieblad, 08-07-1923
  7. ^ Kunst en Létteren, Het Orgel van St. Rosa, De Surinamer : nieuws- en advertentieblad, 03-10-1929
  8. ^ Kunst – Frater Auselmus, De Surinamer : nieuws- en advertentieblad, 26-01-1933
  9. ^ Patronaatsuitvoering, De Surinamer : nieuws- en advertentieblad, 11-04-1934
  10. ^ Chris Alvares, De Surinamer : nieuws- en advertentieblad, 09-06-1934
  11. ^ PAUS-MEETING. Herdenking: 55-jarig Priesterfeest en 12½-Jarig Pontificaat, De Surinamer : nieuws- en advertentieblad, 23-06-1934
  12. ^ Donateursavond R.K. Jongeling en Patronaat, De Surinamer : nieuws- en advertentieblad, 22-09-1934
  13. ^ Genealogie, Coret (1993-12-31). "Onderscheiding Christiaan Hermanus Cornelis Alvares (in het jaar 1815–1993)". Open Archieven (in Dutch). Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  14. ^ Familiebericht – Burgerlijke Stand, De West : nieuwsblad uit en voor Suriname, 10-01-1934

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