Career
He also published essays, diaries and letters. Willemsen was known for his powerful use of the Dutch language and his flawless style. After completing his secondary education in Amsterdam, Willemsen enrolled at the Conservatorium to study the piano.
He decided, however, that literature was his first choice and, at a relatively late age, he began studying Portuguese.
His translations of the Portuguese poet gained him recognition as a leading translator. In 1983 his translations were awarded the Martinus Nijhoff Prize.
Till his death on 29 November 2007, Willemsen was working on translating Pessoa"s entire oeuvre.
