‘Groots is de liefde’; Biography about Louis Andriessen (1939–2021) by Jacqueline Oskamp

On June 7, 2025, Groots is de liefde: Biografie van Louis Andriessen (1939–2021) by Jacqueline Oskamp was officially published by Ambo | Anthos. The book was introduced at a festive event in The Hague, where ensemble Klang performed Andriessen’s Hout and conservatory students presented Dances, under the auspices of the Asko|Schönberg Ensemble with soprano Claron McFadden.

Biographer Jacqueline Oskamp—after seven years of intensive research—offered an intimate portrait of the radical yet private composer. She gained access to his extensive personal archive, traveling to Basel to consult the Paul Sacher Stiftung holdings, and extensively examining letters, manuscripts, and notes from his time in Amsterdam Oskamp presents Andriessen not just as the bold figure of Dutch minimalism, but as a man shaped by personal and familial conflicts. She illuminates the interplay between his music and life, demonstrating how pivotal emotional events—such as his marriage to Jeanette Yanikian and later relationship with Monica Germino—influenced works like La Commedia and Anaïs Nin The title, Groots is de liefde, is drawn from Magna res est amor, a musical tribute by Andriessen’s father, Hendrik. It resonates in three thematic threads: Louis’s love for music, his complex family relationships, and his dramatic personal life, all woven into a biographical narrative of nearly 500 pages.

Shortly after publication, Oskamp received the Theo Bruins Prize during her role as curator of the Dag in de Branding festival in The Hague—a recognition celebrated especially since she was its first-ever female recipient.
Praise has been widespread. Stretto highlights the book’s compelling depth and rich archival documentation, while De Volkskrant commends its revealing treatment of less visible dimensions of Andriessen’s personality and career.
At 491 pages, the biography brings together a robust narrative, selected source material, and comprehensive registers of works and correspondents—a definitive reference on one of the Netherlands’ most iconic composers.

Order the book here…