
Simeon ten Holt: Canto Ostinato (Doornink & friends)
In June 2022, the neighbors of the Morgenster performed Simeon ten Holt’s popular masterpiece with piano, percussion (marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel), violin, viola, and cello. Due to the enthusiastic response at the time, and the frequent question of whether this concert would be repeated, we decided to perform this piece again to conclude our anniversary year.
Simeon ten Holt, the composer who died in November 2012 at the age of 89, worked on Canto Ostinato in the 1970s. The piece was first performed in 1979 for three pianos and organ. The precise instrumentation is open to choice and can vary from one piano to four pianos, marimbas, saxophones, cellos, harp, etc. During the performance of Canto Ostinato, decisions regarding the performance are left to the musicians, with the possibility of extending the performance for hours. Performing this piece is therefore a challenge for the musicians: it demands a great deal from them, both technically and in terms of concentration. For the audience, it offers a moment of daydreaming and meditation.
Canto is considered a minimalist piece and is one of the most famous works of contemporary Dutch classical music.
This concert is perfect for relaxing, lying down, or lounging. Beanbag chairs are provided. Feel free to bring cushions!
- Composer(s) Simeon ten Holt
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Title(s) of the Work(s)
Canto Ostinato
- Performer, Ensemble or Orchestra Esther Doornink marimba, Mark Haeldermans vibraphone/glockenspiel, Melissa Ussery violin, Mariska Godwaldt violin, Annemijn den Herder viola, Ansfried Plat cello, Ernst Munneke piano