Nunc Dimittis Herman Bergink, 1924-1997
Herman Bergink was born May 15, 1924 in Enschede, The Netherlands, where he became a church organist at the age of 13. He studied organ with Adriaan C. Schuurman, and later studied both piano and organ with Dick Van Wilgenbrug. He obtained his diploma in organ and choir training at the Utrecht Conservatory of Music, Church Music School. It was in his hometown that he was briefly introduced to the carillon.
In 1968, Herman became Provincial Carillonneur of the Netherlands Centennial Carillon, in Victoria, BC. Herman was instrumental in raising money to have the carillon built, having obtained donations from the Dutch Community of British Columbia. He held the post of Provincial Carillonneur until his retirement in 1992, the same year in which he was knighted by the Queen of The Netherlands into the Order of Orange-Nassau. Upon his retirement from the Netherlands Centennial Carillon, he was named Carilllonneur Emeritus. Herman passed away on 6 November 1997 after a lengthy illness.
As for reminiscences, Herman and I go back to 1984, when I met him at a Royal Canadian College of Organists luncheon. He kept going on about the carillon, and I had no idea what he was talking about. After a while, I gave in and went to watch him play a Sunday recital, and after I got over the fear of heights, I knew that I had to learn to play the instrument. I studied with him for several years. Our relationship was stormy at times, and very loving at times. At one point he insisted that I either give up the organ, or give up the carillon. The organ was my first instrument; I have a bachelor’s degree in pipe organ. We somehow made it over that hurdle, and went on. Herman had the highest regard for Leen ‘t Hart. Anytime Herman was interviewed by the media, he would bring Leen ‘t Hart into the conversation. The biography of Herman that is at the base of our tower not only mentions Leen ‘t Hart, but there is a picture of him there too.
Herman was a true family man. His music was so important, but his family came first. He adored his wife Maria. Herman was a fighter. He survived two heart surgeries, a stroke, and prostate cancer, all over a period of about 20 years. He finally succumbed to leukemia, but not without a long battle.
During WW II, as a young man, Herman went underground to Holland, to help Jews escape. He risked his life for his convictions. His strong convictions made him stand up at a Royal Canadian College of Organists annual general meeting, and resign as a member, openly stating that it was because electronic organs were being used for some recitals.
--Rosemary Laing
All who befriended Herman will certainly remember his abiding faith in the telephone. From his den in the family home in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, then latterly from the bathroom of his new smaller apartment, there he could be found in the early morning hours making telephone calls to all who lived east of him in later time zones. He didn’t want to disturb his dear wife, Maria, but delighted in the discount calling patterns of the very early morning. For him it was 6:30 am; for me it was 9:30 am.
In my recollection, and if my files can be believed, I received only one letter from Herman in nearly 30 years; it is handwritten and dated 21 December 1970. A rare treasure indeed! Ah, but he thought enough of his colleagues and friends to call each of us on the telephone four or five times a year out of his concern for our well-being and just to chat.
I first met Herman at the 1969 Yale Congress, one which I will never forget. President Rusterholz was unable to attend, and I--the Vice-President--was called upon to chair the meeting on rather short notice. Time and tide wait for no one! Especially if it is the person taking the annual photo. I was chasing about trying to locate son Gordon in one of the Yale buildings and arrived just after the photo session was completed. Herman thought enough of the incident to get together with Gordon and me plus eight other very well known stragglers, and take a special photo to allay our collective concern and disappointment. Because he had to mail me a copy of his photo, his accompanying letter was the one to which I just referred. Not only did he send a small snapshot, but also a color enlargement to match the size of the usual Guild photo.
In 1957, Herman, with his wife and family, emigrated from Enschede, The Netherlands, and came to the far northern Ontario community of Cochrane (in its earlier growth years accessible only by rail). He worked selling insurance, and was probably involved in his other calling as a dedicated church musician.
When the new carillon, being presented to the province by a grateful Dutch community there, was installed at Victoria, British Columbia, Herman applied and was accepted as the first Provincial Carillonneur. The original carillon of 49 Petit & Fritsen bells, in a free-standing tower, was augmented later under his guidance when 13 more bells were placed in 1971. Moving into a very pleasant home there to take up his new duties, he also found a position as Organist and Choirmaster of Saint Paul’s Church. The back of his business card attests to his dedication to the carillon. “Recitals on the Netherlands Centennial Carillon throughout the year: Sundays at 3 pm. From July to September on Wednesdays at noon and Fridays at 6 pm. Extra recitals on public holidays and during Advent, Christmas, and the New Year seasons. There is an opportunity for the public to witness a recital being played. Please be at the base of the tower 20 minutes before the scheduled recital time.”
As with most European musicians who migrate to the carillon, he brought the skills of improvisation with him for his studies with Leen ‘t Hart and others at the Netherlands Carillon School. He loved introducing the music of his native land into all his programs and did so with fervor and devotion.
He became an Associate member of the Guild around 1968, then Student member and Carillonneur member in 1971, playing his advancement recital at the Springfield, Illinois Congress. He promoted his art rather well, and accepted many invitations to perform as a guest recitalist at carillon festivals across North America.
Following the 1975 congress in California, my wife and I journeyed by car up the scenic Pacific coast and were able to visit with the Berginks in Victoria. Their hospitality was overwhelming and we cherish the memory of that visit. Herman had many flagpoles gracing the front yard of his home, and the place of honor was always reserved for a flag to represent a visitor’s country, province, or state. If your arrival to his home was planned in advance, you would be pleasantly surprised, on the approach, to hear bells being played in your honor. Above his front door, the front of the house was graced by a small set of cast bells which could be automatically or manually played to welcome you. The neighborhood, at appropriate times, was regaled with their music throughout the daylight hours.
Many of you will remember Herman’s congress visits and the souvenirs he handed out to all in the form of lapel pins or buttons. Some will recall the huge mysterious black leather briefcases he always carried (or lugged). It was his mobile office! Among other things in them, he always carried a heavy recording apparatus in order to tape the various recitalists. Once, I offered my assistance to transport one of these containers before testing its weight. I’m sure it weighed over 40 pounds! Goodness knows what the other weighed.
Herman had the salesman’s “gift of the gab” and could often be overheard at congresses talking to visitors within his range, answering their questions about bells and the Guild with professional ease and total interest in either subject.
In his later years, he suffered from various debilitating illnesses (no doubt brought on by the ravages of deprivation during World War II in his home country) but his cheery outlook was ever present and his bubbly conversations belied any problems whatsoever.
I’ll remember him as a fine musician and a dedicated carillonneur, as well as one who loved his family, friends, and colleagues and chose to share his talents, good will, and good humor with all.
Thank you Herman, from all of us.
--James B. Slater
