Album insights
Born in July 1903 in the Flemish village of Tielen near Antwerp, Franciscus Florentius Peeters grew up in a musical environment with all family members playing instruments. At around sixteen, he started studying organ music at the Lemmens Institute in Mechelen, completing the eight-year program in just four years. His mentor, Oscar Depuydt, appointed him as his successor as professor and cathedral organist after his untimely death in March 1925.
Peeters, a devout Catholic musician, dedicated his career to teaching, performing, and composing. He held various teaching positions in Belgium and the Netherlands, eventually becoming the director of the Royal Flemish Conservatory in Antwerp. His passion for music extended beyond Europe to countries like America, the UK, Russia, South Africa, and Australia. Peeters composed a broad array of music, specializing in vocal and choral pieces for the church along with works for the organ, reflecting his deep-rooted love for Gregorian chant and ancient modes.
In his creative process, Peeters emphasized simplicity, clarity, and transparency, often drawing inspiration from earlier music traditions. While influenced by French organ masters like Franck and Tournemire, his compositions also displayed his strong connection to Flemish heritage. As a prolific composer, he produced over 140 works, from intricate organ concerts to simpler pieces for liturgical use, showcasing his ability to blend traditional and modern elements seamlessly.
Peeters' significant orchestral works like the Organ Concerto and the Variations and Finale on an Old Flemish Song highlighted his virtuosity and innovative musical style. His diverse compositions ranged from energetic rhapsodies to deeply emotional elegies, with pieces like the Flämische Rhapsodie and Aria showcasing his melodic genius and profound emotional expression.
Among his renowned compositions, the Lied Symphony stood out for its evocative portrayal of the American landscape, captured through five elaborate praise songs that glorified nature in all its forms. This symphony symbolized the artist's gratitude and reverence for the creator, offering a heartfelt hymn of appreciation to the beauty of the world.
Throughout his distinguished career, Peeters remained true to his artistic vision, blending influences from various musical traditions to create a unique and timeless repertoire that continues to inspire musicians and audiences worldwide.