Born in Curaçao, Palm had directed several music ensembles by a relatively young age. In 1859, he was appointed the music director of the citizen's guard orchestra in Curaçao. Palm played several musical instruments such as piano, organ, lute, clarinet, flute, and mandolin. As an organist, Palm played for many years in the Jewish synagogues Emanu-El and Mikvé Israel; the Protestant Fort Amsterdam Church;[3] and the Lodge Igualdad in Curaçao. He was also a regular contributor to Notas y Letras (Notes and Letters), a periodical which was issued in Curaçao between 1886 and 1888, with numerous subscribers throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.[1][2]
Palm died at the age of 75 on December 13, 1906. His descendants include the musicians and composers Rudolph Palm (1880–1950), John Palm (1885–1925), Toni Palm (1885–1963), Jacobo Palm (1887–1982), Albert Palm (1903–1958), Edgar Palm (1905–1998), and Robert Rojer (1939).[1][2]
Alongside dance music written for the solo piano, Palm wrote duets for violin and piano, as well as larger works for orchestra. Examples of the latter are his fantasies and serenades. He also wrote several pieces for services in the synagogue, the protestant church and the Lodge.[1][2]
Halman, Johannes and Robert Rojer (2008). Jan Gerard Palm: Life and Work of a Musical Patriarch in Curacao (In Dutch language). Leiden: KITLV.
Halman, Johannes and Robert Rojer (2008). Jan Gerard Palm Music scores: Waltzes, Mazurkas, Danzas, Tumbas, Polkas, Marches, Fantasies, Serenades, a Galop and Music Composed for Services in the Synagogue and the Lodge. Amsterdam: Broekmans & Van Poppel.
Boskaljon, Rudolph (1958). Honderd jaar muziekleven op Curacao. Anjerpublicaties 3. Assen: Uitg. in samenwerking met het Prins Bernhard fonds Nederlandse Antillen door Van Gorcum.
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