Berlage’s vision
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Thu 5 Mar 202620:15 - 21:45Grote Zaal
Program
19.15 / Foyerdeck 1 / Pre-concert talk
By Huib Ramaer
20.15 / Grote Zaal / Main program
Johann Sebastian Bach selection from Goldbergvariations (arr. Peter Vigh)
Erwin Schulhoff Fünf Stücke (arr. Peter Vigh)
Saskia Venegas Pantheon der Mensheid
Joey Roukens Quodlibet
Credits
Vincent Bijlo reciter, texts
Berlage Saxophone Quartet:
Lars Niederstrasser soprano saxophone
Peter Vigh alto saxophone
Juani Palop Tecles tenor saxophone
Eva van Grinsven baritone saxophone
Jurjen Alkema set design, lighting
Max Knigge composition
Nola Eilers costumes
Ria Marks final direction
The Berlage Saxophone Quartet and comedian Vincent Bijlo, explore the significance of art and music for society. They draw inspiration from architect H.P. Berlage’s 1915 design The Pantheon of Humanity. Berlage presented this utopian peace monument with anti-war poems by Henriëtte Roland Holst. Bijlo, the architect’s great-grandson, recites from these poems while the quartet plays unifying music, ranging from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Goldberg Variations to Joey Roukens.
Like a Gesamtkunstwerk, Berlin’s Pantheon, which was never built, emerges from music and text. Berlage believed that art should serve society and focus on human authenticity. This authenticity is also the key to the success of young Dutch composers such as Joey Roukens, who choose to be guided by human experience rather than abstract musical concepts. Music that stirs the soul and prompts contemplation.
