Concertzender Live

Religion appeared to have gone out of fashion in the twentieth century. Although most of the world’s population still adhered to some form of religion, it became increasingly unfashionable in intellectual circles. Science and philosophy seemed to have taken away the foundations on which religion rested. To many, however, religion represented ultraconservative ideas that stood in the way of progress—including progress in the arts.

But let us be aware of jumping to conclusions too quickly. Throughout the twentieth century, there were many prominent religious artists, and their faith often provided inspiration for new artistic ideas.

Today we’ll revisit two concerts from February 2009 in which religiously inspired music takes center stage. The first focuses on contemporary piano music, much of it by Olivier Messiaen, especially excerpts from Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus. The title itself gives us a clue: different theological perspectives on the Christ Child inspired these pioneering—and often incredibly demanding—piano works. We will also hear a ‘rational cantilena’ by another composer, providing a striking contrast.

Roman Catholicism is also a central theme for Daan Manneke. His music is less radical than Messiaen’s, but he undoubtedly has a distinctive voice of his own. This concert features music inspired by religious poetry and brings together three generations: the older composer Manneke, Leonard van Goudoever from the middle generation, and then the very young Lucas Wiegerink. The poetry itself is also a part of the programme, as is often the case in Manneke’s concerts. For this occasion, the poets themselves perform their own work.

Playlist

1. Olivier Messiaen – Cloches d’angoisse et larmes d’adieu
2. Olivier Messiaen – Première communion de la Vierge (from Vingt regards sur l’enfant Jésus)
3. Olivier Messiaen – Noël (from Vingt regards sur l’enfant Jésus)
4. Olivier Messiaen – Le baiser sur l’enfant Jésus (from Vingt regards sur l’enfant Jésus)
5. Olivier Messiaen – L’esprit joie (from Vingt regards sur l’enfant Jésus)
6. Cameron Roberts – Sad Bird Blues
7. Christina Viola Oorebeek – If the Beat Was a Princess, I’d Marry It
8. Marko Ciciliani – Rationalle Cantilenae
9. Camille Saint-Saëns – Prière, Op. 158
10. Lucas Wiegerink – Te Deum
11. Anneke Brassinga – Te Deum (spoken)
12. Anneke Brassinga – Gelegenheid tot afscheid nemen (spoken)
13. Anneke Brassinga – Verassing (spoken)
14. Anneke Brassinga – OVTT (spoken)
15. Daan Manneke – Gestures
16. Leonard van Goudoever – Orgelpunt
17. Robert Anker – Orgelpunt (spoken)
18. Robert Anker – Paard en paart (spoken)
19. Robert Anker – Heimwee naar een droom (spoken)
20. Gabriel Fauré – Élégie, Op. 24

Performers

Ashley Hribar, piano (1–8)
Saartje Van Camp, cello; Sebastiaan van Delft, organ (9, 10, 15, 16, 20)
Anneke Brassinga and Robert Anker (spoken readings of their own work)