Perhaps most famously, Van Veen was the creator of the Alfred Jodocus Kwak children's animation series of worldwide fame. Van Veen is an ambassador for UNICEF Nederland and a founding member of Colombine, Stichting Alfred Jodocus Kwak, Stichting Roos, and the Herman van Veen Foundation. All of these foundations are active for children's rights. In 2004 he received the World Peace Flame, a symbol of peace, freedom, unity and truth, inspired by the eternal flame, burning at the residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Since 2005 Herman van Veen has been ambassador for the 'Music in the Middle East' foundation.
In the 1960s, Van Veen studied the violin, singing and theory of musical education at Utrecht Conservatory. His career as a recording artist started in 1968. Some of his biggest Dutch hits are Opzij (1979), Hilversum 3 (1984), Anne (1986), Zo vrolijk (1986), Toveren (1987) and Blauwe plekken (1990), but he very rarely performs them live anymore. Most of his theatre concerts focus on recent material, as there always is plenty of it.
Amsterdam's famous Carré theatre is Van Veen's 'second home': he has more than 600 headline Carré shows to his name.
Van Veen lives with his wife Gaetane Bouchez, a female dancer, in Soest, The Netherlands. He has four children from previous mariages.
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Herman Van Veen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Zongen zo blij, zo wonderzacht
Van de Heer van dood en leven
Die er vrede op aarde bracht
Gloria in Excelsis Deo
Gloria in Excelsis Deo
Van 't lief kindje rein en teer
En de herders die daar waren
Knielden bij de kribbe neer
Gloria in Excelsis Deo
Gloria in Excelsis Deo
The lyrics of Herman Van Veen's song "Gloria in excelsis deo" describe the joyous singing of angels flying through the air. These angels are singing of the Lord of life and death, who brought peace to the earth. The chorus repeats the Latin phrase "Gloria in excelsis deo," meaning "Glory to God in the highest," emphasizing the joy and reverence felt by the heavenly beings.
The angels' song turns toward the birth of Jesus, describing him as a pure and tender child. The shepherds who were present at this miraculous event are also described, kneeling before the baby in the manger. This depiction of the nativity story captures the wonder and awe felt by those who witnessed it, and the lyrics convey a deep sense of reverence and gratitude toward the divine.
Overall, this song expresses a sense of wonder and joy that comes from contemplating the divine. It emphasizes the importance of peace and reverence in the face of divine power and beauty.
Line by Line Meaning
Engelkens door het luchtruim zwevend
Angels gracefully floating through the sky
Zongen zo blij, zo wonderzacht
Singing joyfully and tenderly
Van de Heer van dood en leven
Of the Lord of death and life
Die er vrede op aarde bracht
Who brought peace on earth
Gloria in Excelsis Deo
Glory to God in the highest
Zongen blij en wonderklare
Singing happily and wonderfully clear
Van 't lief kindje rein en teer
Of the beloved, pure and tender child
En de herders die daar waren
And the shepherds who were there
Knielden bij de kribbe neer
Kneeling down beside the manger
Writer(s): Traditional, Jerry Wolff, Dennis Erhardt
Contributed by Addison F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.