Doug Tjapkes has been playing piano and organ in worship in the CRC for 70 years! He was encouraged to sit down at the piano in his home and record a number of hymns that he has loved over the years. At age 88 Tjapkes plays freestyle, changing keys and chords as he plays through hymns and gospel songs old and new. As you listen to these hymns, you’ll soon get to know his style. He wants the songs to breathe. He is not in a hurry, and he doesn’t like to do the same thing more than once.
He also likes to add melodic references to other songs in his renditions, such as putting “I Love You, Lord” in his version of “My Jesus, I Love Thee” or adding a line from “It’s a Wonderful World” at the end of “This is My Father’s World.” Tjapkes not only plays these hymns, he knows them and his instrument well enough that he plays with the songs, adding color and interest in each one. You can get a free copy of the enjoyable CD by making a donation of any size to Humanity for Prisoners in Grand Haven, Mich., and emailing Doug at thedouger@comcast.net.
About the Author
Robert J. Keeley is a professor of education emeritus at Calvin University and leads music at 14th St. Christian Reformed Church in Holland, Mich.