Simeon ten Holt

Netherlands, January 24, 1923 - November 25, 2012

Compositions

“My compositions take shape without any predetermined plan and are, as it were, the reflection of a quest for an unknown goal… As far as I can see, my relationship, both figuratively and practically speaking, to the tonal centre and the problem of tonality, has been a determining factor in the development of the achievements in my creative career. This relation gradually shifted from an initial intuitive understanding to a more conscious issue later on. The role of the tonal centre, first as an undisputed factor, starts to move, loses its authority, submerges into chromaticism and the equality of all tones, and finally emerges in a shape that is chastened by death and katharsis. A large-scale history reproduces itself on a small scale.” (Simeon ten Holt, 1995)

A breakthrough is the performance of '…A/.TA-LON' by the Asko Ensemble at the 1978 Holland Festival.

In 1979, his composition 'Canto ostinato' (1976-1979) for four keyboards is premiered. Ten Holt (1995): “I was very surprised to find myself in a steppe-like landscape one day, which was characterized by an immense horizon, by vastness, space and time, and, last but not least: by tonal centres and tonality ('Canto ostinato').” In 1984, Simeon released a LP with 'Canto Ostinato' and later also a CD. It has been the best selling album of all Dutch composers.

Other important works are: 'Bagatellen' (1954), 'Cyclus aan de waanzin' (1961), 'Interpolations' (1969), 'Natalon in E' (1979) for piano; 'Diagonaalmuziek' for strings (1958), 'Tripticon' for percussion ensemble (1965), Music for the film 'Kockyn' (1966); 'Lemniscaat' (1983) and 'Horizon' (1985) for keyboard instruments, 'Soloduiveldans I' (1959), 'Soloduiveldans II' (1986) and 'Soloduiveldans III' (1990) for piano and 'Incantatie IV' (1990) for 5 instruments.

Education

Simeon studied piano and theory with Jakob van Domselaer (1890-1960). In 1949 he moved to Paris where he received lessons at the École Normale with Arthur Honegger and Darius Milhaud.



Live performances of Simeon ten Holt’s works

Canto Ostinato at the Concertgebouw

Simeon ten Holt on Spotify

Simeon ten Holt on SoundCloud

Recently published works by Simeon ten Holt

magnifiercrosschevron-down