Simeon Ten Holt: Canto Ostinato XXL for four pianos & organ (Box set)
Composer: Simeon Ten Holt (1923-2012) 西蒙·特恩·霍尔特 (http://www.simeontenholt.com/)
Artists: Sandra & Jeroen van Veen, piano duo
Marcel & Elizabeth Bergmann, piano duo
Aart Bergwerff, organ
Audio CD (October 28, 2014)
Number of Discs: 4
Format: Box set
Label: Brilliant Classics (www.brilliantclassics.com)
No.: 94990
Simeon ten Holt (24 January 1923 – 25 November 2012) was a Dutch contemporary classical composer.
Ten Holt was born in Bergen, North Holland, the Netherlands, and studied with Jakob van Domselaer, eventually developing a highly personal style of minimal composition. Van Domselaer's influence on ten Holt's musical philosophy was considerable, with the younger composer picking up van Domselaer's interests in the links between music and visual art, in music's relationship with mathematics, and in the use of the piano as a principal instrument in his compositions.
Ten Holt generally used consonant, tonal materials and his works are organized in numerous cells, made up of a few measures each, which are repeated ad libitum according to the player's preference. Many of his works are for piano or ensembles of multiple pianos. His most famous work is Canto Ostinato, which he wrote in 1976 and is considered one of the most famous works in contemporary classical Dutch music history.
Ten Holt died 25 November 2012 in Alkmaar, the Netherlands, aged 89.[1]
Emergence in minimalism
http://www.simeontenholt.com/
Although Simeon ten Holt’s music is often categorized under the Minimal Music banner, the question is whether this characterization captures the true nature of his composing talent. Although the minimalist inspiration is undoubtedly present in all of his piano compositions, the distinctive feature is not so much the rhythmic and tonal structure which is so typical for this style, but much more the evolutionary space which his music actually creates for the players performing his music.
Simeon’s compositions are not just single works, but rather a collection of an infinite number of compositions, all hidden in a single written code. Like a multitude of images hidden in a holographic photographic image, the script outlines a solution space in which actual shape and form will develop in time towards its full extent and depth. Every performance is therefore unique, yet recognizable as a part of the larger collection. Like life itself, it emerges and takes shape in a complex interaction between the genotypes as a code in the score and the context of performers and audience. This evolutionary and interactive characteristic distinguishes the music from the mainstream minimal music and gives it a special position within this type of compositions. Whereas the minimal music is essentially a modernist, constructive style, Simeon’s music is better characterized as post-modernist and organic in nature.
The success of this music might be explained with this characteristic in mind, as it connects with audiences on an emotional level, taking them on a, every time unique, journey through a musical space. Adventurous but not unsafe, challenging but not beyond the stretch limit, uncharted but not random.
Ton van Asseldonk
Simeon ten Holt Foundation
Editorial Reviews
Brilliant Classics follow-up to Canto Ostinato XL, Canto Ostinato XXL, brings a new perspective to Simeon ten Holts minimalist composition by adding a Romantic organ to the works original scoring for four pianos a combination never before attempted. Recorded over the course of just one day, this four disc, four-hour arrangement slows the tempo down a little, in order to accommodate the magnificent acoustics of the Muziekgebouw Eindhoven. Joining organist Aaart Bergwerff and Sandra and Jeroen van Veen are acclaimed piano duo Elizabeth and Marcel Bergmann.
Tracks:
Simeon Ten Holt: Canto Ostinato XXL for four pianos & organ (1976-1979)