Ten Holt: Méandres

Dijkhuizen, Ellen, Haas, Polo de, Oldenburg, Fred, Wieringa, Kees

97005

Simeon Ten Holt (1923-2012), a Dutch composer known for his mesmerizing and unique style, has left a strong, personal mark on contemporary classical music. Born in 1923 in Bergen, Netherlands, Holt's musical journey began at an early age, and he later pursued his studies at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. Throughout his prolific career, Holt created an impressive body of work, but it is his piano compositions that stand out as some of his most iconic and influential pieces. His music is characterized by a minimalist approach, where repetitive patterns and gradual transformations create an immersive and meditative experience for both performers and listeners.

Méandres (1995-97), for four pianos, is the fifth in a series of major concert-length works. As is the case with the other four (Canto Ostinato, Lemniscaat, Horizon and lncantantie IV), a great deal of freedom is given to the performers in terms of repetition, dynamics and who plays which notes. The result depends on such ephemeral factors as the chemistry between the performers and the dynamics of the moment as much as on anything else. Replacing even a single performer may well lead to a radically different outcome.

Played by four Dutch pianists Polo de Haas, Kees Wieringa, Ellen Dijkhuizen and Fred Oldenburg, each of them specialized in playing contemporary music.

Recorded in 1999, a reissue from the NM catalogue, the label for music from The Netherlands.

CD x 1

Brilliant Classics

2024-06-04

5028421970059