Pijper, Willem (1894–1947)

Dutch composer. He was influenced by the contemporary French school on the one hand, and by Mahler on the other. Despite obvious difficulty in reconciling these influences, he became the most important Dutch composer of his generation. His works include the operatic cantata Halewijn (1934), music for plays by Sophocles, Euripides, and Shakespeare, three symphonies, concertos, chamber music, sonatas for various instruments, piano music, and songs.

He studied with Johan Wagenaar and was appointed professor of composition at the Amsterdam Conservatory in 1925. He was director of the Rotterdam Conservatory from 1930 until his death.

Works Opera the opera Halewijn (1933); incidental music for Euripides' The Cyclops and The Bacchantes (1924), Sophocles' Antigone, and Shakespeare's Tempest (1930).

Orchestral three symphonies, six symphonic epigrams for orchestra, piano concerto (1927), violin concerto, cello concerto.

Chamber five string quartets (1914–46), two piano trios, sextet for wind and piano, violin and piano sonatas, piano music.

Other choruses, songs.