A trio of neglected but lovely works by Dutch romantic composers, in authoritative studio recordings by a Dutch ensemble.
This album brings together three composers who played a leading role in the musical culture of Amsterdam of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Aside from their prominence as composers, all three were influential conductors and virtuoso instrumentalists. Johannes Bernardus van Bree was a violinist, Johannes Meinardus Coenen a bassoonist and Julius Röntgen a pianist. They were exponents of the classical-romantic style of composition of the Leipzig School, the most important representative of which was Felix Mendelssohn.
At least within the Netherlands, Van Bree’s most celebrated work is the ambitious Allegro which he wrote in 1845 for four string quartets. This quartet of quartets is a tour de force in the mould of Mendelssohn’s Octet and the double quartets by Louis Spohr.
After his death in 1857, his post as conductor of Amsterdam’s most prestigious musical society was taken up by Coenen. As a former bassoonist, Coenen understood how to write idiomatically for winds; from 1850, this Wind Quintet is a substantial, half-hour work in four movements, full of sunny melodies and warm humour.
In 1876, the 21-year-old Röntgen composed a Serenade for the more unusual combination of seven wind instruments. The Serenade was played in Leipzig the following year, where it caught the ear of Brahms: ‘This Serenade by Röntgen was quite charming, truly enchanting. Such delightful freshness, cleverness and intimacy.
It is the best work of his I have heard. And moreover, such a sincere and warm young person, it gives one such joy.’ In fact Brahms liked the Serenade so much that he appropriated elements of it in his own Second Symphony (and later apologised to the young composer for doing so).
Thus the album illuminates not only Dutch musical life during the golden era of musical Romanticism but also sheds intriguing light on a canon symphony. Like the other works here, it is performed with both feeling and enthusiasm by the Dutch musicians of the Viotta Ensemble.
- The 19th-century classical music scene in the Netherlands was vibrant and highly productive, marked by a blend of local talent and European influences. This period saw the rise of notable composers and musicians who significantly shaped Dutch music, including Julius Röntgen, Johannes Bernardus van Bree, and Cornelis Coenen.
- Julius Röntgen (1855-1932) was a German-Dutch composer and pianist who played a crucial role in Dutch music. After moving to Amsterdam, Röntgen co-founded the Amsterdam Conservatory in 1884, where he nurtured a generation of musicians. His extensive body of works includes symphonies, chamber music, and songs, often reflecting German Romanticism while integrating Dutch folk elements.
- Johannes Bernardus van Bree (1801-1857) was a significant figure in Dutch classical music. A conductor, composer, and violinist, Van Bree is best remembered for his “Allegro for Four String Quartets”, a highly original and vibrant work, in Mendelssohnian style and spirit.
- Cornelis Coenen (1826-1896) was another key contributor, known for his work as a violinist, conductor, and composer. Coenen’s compositions, including symphonies and operas, were widely respected and performed. He was actively involved with the Caecilia Society, an organization that advanced choral music in the Netherlands.
- Played by the Viotta Ensemble, consisting of members of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, conducted by Victor Liberman, who was concert master of the orchestra.
- Recordings from 1992-1994, a reissue from NM Classics, the label of music from The Netherlands.
