Andriessen: Miroir de Peine - Orchestral Music & Concertos

Alexander, Roberta, Netherlands Radio Chamber Orchestra

96105

Hendrik Andriessen (1892-1981) was born in Haarlem, The Netherlands. His father, Nicolaas Hendrik Andriessen, was the music director and organist at the St. Josef Church in Haarlem. Music played a major role in the Andriessen home and the young Hendrik assisted his father in his musical (church) duties.

When Hendrik's father died suddenly in 1913 Hendrik took over his musical post, making a complete career switch, having previously chosen to be a journalist. That year marked the completion of his first major organ composition, Premier Choral, which clearly shows the influences of César Franck. During the following year, Andriessen started his official studies in composition at the Amsterdam Conservatory under the tutelage of Bernard Zweers. He received his diploma a mere two years later. Andriessen's first mature works include religious compositions, organ works, chamber music and lieder.

Andriessen's style shows obvious influences of the French composers Vincent d'lndy, César Franck, Gabriel Pierné and Albert Roussel. Andriessen was no fan of ultra-emotional expressionism. Instead, he achieved a more interior type of expression showing his admiration for Cesar Franck's 'objective' style.

This 2-CD set present vocal and orchestral works by Andriessen: the famous orchestral song cycle Miroir de Peine, as well as orchestral variations and concert(in)os for violin, cello and oboe, beautiful music of an inner, contemplative strength, lyrical and spiritual.

Excellent performances by soprano Roberta Alexander (Miroir de peine) and the Netherlands Radio Chamber Orchestra conducted by David Porcelijn and Thierry Fischer.

CD x 2

Brilliant Classics

2021-07-02

5028421961057