Re(f/v)erence

The new piece Threnody of Annelies Van Parys (°1975), commissioned by I SOLISTI, SPECTRA and Muziekcentrum De Bijloke, premiered last May in Ghent. Threnody is a lament inspired by the chanson Nymphes des Bois, the famous Déploration sur la mort d?Ockeghem by Josquin Desprez. Van Parys' work is also a tribute to an inspiring fellow composer. The phrase 'Vous avez perdu votre bon père' from Josquin's lament gained an especially poignant additional meaning for her during the composition process due to a personal loss.
Also in The White Lotus of Saskia Venegas (°1983), the lament and tribute to the master play a crucial role. From dark depths, the composer embarks on a sonic journey that gradually ascends and transforms into colorful, ethereal, undulating melodies. The journey ends in a peaceful, meditative state, as a captivating in memoriam to her mentor Wim Henderickx.
My favorite activity was walking in the forest after the rain, when the leaves of the trees were still wet. They reflected the birdsong differently, as if the forest were a large echo chamber." These words by Saariaho inspired Ellen Jacobs (°1996). In her tribute, references to the spatial thinking of the late composer form the starting point.
At the Transit Festival in Leuven and November Music in Den Bosch 2024, the new works by Saskia Venegas and Ellen Jacobs will premiere. Rays returning to the core, transformed by time and space...
text: Filip Rathé