Bernard Huijbers (1922-2003) was a Dutch composer of sacred music, recognized for advancing music that was simple and intended for the “performing audience” of the congregation. In 1961, he was a founding member of the Student Workgroup for a Vernacular Liturgy in Amsterdam, and in 1966 he helped form Universa Laus, an international study group for sacred music. His focus on vernacular liturgy influenced many following 20th century composers of church music.

Huijbers wrote over 200 compositions in collaboration with the Dutch poet and liturgist Huub Oosterhuis (1933- ). Oosterhuis’ interest in Biblically-based liturgy is especially evident in the number of compositions based on psalms, including experimental variations on responsorial psalms. Oosterhuis is a prolific author, with more than 50 books and hundreds of hymns, poems, and articles.

Materials in the Huijbers-Oosterhuis Collection were assembled and donated by musician Tony Barr, who has translated many Oosterhuis texts. The collection includes scores and sound recordings in Dutch and English, as well as books and academic papers. The music in this collection complements other collections of sacred music at Saint John’s University.

How do I access the collection?

CSB and SJU researchers, as well as visiting scholars, are encouraged to use the Bernard Huijbers and Huub Oosterhuis Collection for their research needs. Many items are available as digital copies. The Archives are not open for browsing; researchers are asked to contact the Librarian for an appointment to consult the physical collection.

Some material has been cataloged in a locally-built database called the Sacred Music Collection.

Browse the Collection

Contact:
Miranda Novak
[email protected]