For the first time in nearly a decade, Louis Andriessen’s visionary masterpiece De Materie returns to the stage in the Netherlands. Composed between 1984 and 1988, this monumental work is a musical spectacle of extraordinary scale: 63 musicians on stage, four movements based on texts from four centuries, and a striking opening of 144 chords played by the full ensemble.
De Materie is a layered musical reflection on revolutionary ideas in art, politics, religion and science. Each movement highlights a different way of thinking: the first refers to the Plakkaat van Verlatinghe (1581), a symbol of political independence. The second draws from the Seventh Vision of Hadewijch, a 13th-century mystic. The third, ‘De Stijl’, pays tribute to Piet Mondriaan with rhythmic patterns driven by a pulsing boogie-woogie groove. The final movement honours the groundbreaking research of Madame Curie.
This performance is a collaboration between Het Muziek, the Royal Conservatoire The Hague and HIIT. Students from the Vocal Studies Department and Classical Department's Contemporary Ensemble Academy. take part in this large-scale production, where music, history and vision converge. A rare opportunity to experience Andriessen’s magnum opus live.
The concert on 10 January is also available to listen to live through NPO Klassiek.