Henk de Vlieger Dutch percussionist and composer Date of Birth: 01.01.1953 Country: Netherlands

1. Early Life and Music Education
2. Orchestral Career
3. Handbook for Orchestral Percussion
4. Compositional Output
5. Arrangements and Adaptations

Early Life and Music Education

Raymond de Waard, a Dutch percussionist and composer, was born in the Netherlands. He graduated from the Rotterdam Conservatory in 1976 with a degree in percussion. He later studied composition under Klaas de Vries and Theo Louvendi at the same institution.

Orchestral Career

In 1984, de Waard joined the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra as a percussionist. He rose to the position of principal percussionist from 1987 to 2001.

Handbook for Orchestral Percussion

In 2000, de Waard published his influential work, "Handbook for the Orchestral Percussion Section." This comprehensive guide categorizes over 2000 pieces of academic repertoire, providing optimal instrumentation and player distribution recommendations.

Compositional Output

While de Waard's original compositions were relatively limited, some notable works stand out. His short overture "De Overwinning" (The Victory) was commissioned for the opening of the Amsterdam Arena in 1996. Similarly, his march "Finale festivo" accompanied Queen Beatrix's public appearance during her 25th anniversary celebration in 2005.

Arrangements and Adaptations

De Waard made significant contributions to musical arrangements. He orchestrated three orchestral suites from Richard Wagner's music: "The Ring of the Nibelung," "Parsifal," and "Tristan und Isolde," which were recorded under Edo de Waart's baton in 1998. Additionally, he adapted Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" for percussion, celesta, harp, and piano.