Bert
Matter

Bert (Egbert Jan) Matter was a distinguished Dutch organist, composer, and educator whose career left an indelible mark on the organ culture of the Netherlands. Born in Abcoude in 1937, Matter received his formal training at the Rotterdam Conservatory under the tutelage of Piet van den Kerkhoff and Cor Kee.

He was most notably associated with the historic Walburgiskerk in Zutphen, where he served as titular organist from 1969 to 2002. During his tenure, he was the driving force behind the restoration of the renowned Bader organ, now widely considered one of the finest instruments in the country.

As a pedagogue, Matter served as a professor of organ at the conservatories of Arnhem and The Hague. A celebrated improviser and recitalist, he performed and taught throughout Europe and the United States. His contributions to the field include a published volume on practical harmony and a discography that highlights his acclaimed interpretations of J.S. Bach.

As a composer, Matter published over forty works, primarily focused on psalm and chorale arrangements. His unique musical voice often blends traditional forms with the repetitive, rhythmic textures of Minimal Music. In recognition of his immense contribution to Dutch music, he was knighted in the Order of Orange-Nassau and received the prestigious Sweelinck Prize in 2012.

Today, his legacy continues through his students and a modern initiative to digitize his most important scores, ensuring his work remains accessible to new generations of musicians worldwide.