Wim van Gennep (1875-1957) was a Dutch ethnographer and musicologist, renowned for his contributions to the understanding of cultural rites and their relationship to music. Although he is not a musician in the traditional sense, his work laid the groundwork for the study of music in anthropological contexts. Van Gennep is best known for his book "Les Rites de Passage" (1909), in which he introduced the concept of "rites of passage," exploring how music and rituals mark transitions in life. His ideas influenced various fields, including sociology and anthropology, and emphasized the significance of music in communal and individual experiences. While he did not produce notable musical works himself, his impact is seen in the ways that music is analyzed within cultural frameworks. His work has inspired musicians and scholars alike to consider the deeper meanings behind musical traditions and their social functions. Thus, while van Gennep may not be a conventional artist, his contributions to the study of music and culture have had a lasting influence on the field of ethnomusicology.