Peter Schat (1935–2003) is counted among the most remarkable and important of post-war Dutch composers.
While in the 60s and 70s he served the ideology of the avant-garde and social activism, dedicating work to anti-capitalist figures such as Che Guevara and Ho Chi Minh, he later turned a stylistic and philosophical corner, taking up the anti-communist cause and devising his own “Tone Clock” system of tonality that would govern his work to come.
His 12 Symphonic Variations, De Hemel (Heaven, 1990), is ‘dedicated to the martyrs for democracy at Tiananmen Square’ in Beijing.
It is a large-scale symphonic-romantic composition lasting about 45 minutes.
Set for large orchestra with extended woodwind and brass sections, two harps, piano and an enlarged percussion group, the work’s instrumentation aims for homogeneity and the blending of various instrumental colours, with percussion at times figuring prominently. It is a construction of stable harmonies, a grand cathedral of tones and intervals.
Melodies, serving so to speak as Gothic adornments, are often derived directly from the harmonies, underlining their fundaments. The massive, slow build up is comparable to that of a Bruckner symphony.
Other information:
- Recorded Live in April 1992 in Amsterdam.
- Bilingual booklet in English and Dutch contains English liner notes on the composer and the work by Michael van Eekeren and Dutch liner notes by Erik Voermans, as well as profiles of the orchestra and conductor.
- “De Hemel” (The Heavens) is a large-scale symphonic work by Peter Schat (1935-2003), one of the foremost and innovative Dutch composers of the 20th century.
- Written in 1982, the work is part of Schat’s exploration of his “Tone Clock” theory, a system he developed to organize pitch material in a manner akin to the chromatic clock. This method allowed him to blend serialism with more intuitive harmonic relationships, creating music that is both rigorously structured and emotionally evocative.
- “De Hemel” reflects Schat’s interest in the metaphysical and philosophical dimensions of art. The composition evokes a celestial atmosphere, employing shimmering orchestration and fluid harmonic progressions that suggest a sense of transcendence. Its textures are meticulously crafted, with delicate interplay between strings, woodwinds, and percussion creating an otherworldly sonic landscape.
- The piece is also notable for its dramatic contrasts, as moments of serene beauty are juxtaposed with passages of intense energy.
- Excellent performance by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra conducted by Riccardo Chailly.
- Reissue from the NM Classics catalogue, the label for music from The Netherlands.
