Simeon ten Holt’s most famous work is Canto Ostinato (1977-1979), a piece of “perpetual motion” consisting of 106 sections in B-flat minor. While the section order is fixed, the duration is flexible, often lasting several hours.

Ten Holt described the performance as a “social process” requiring a “roundabout mentality,” where pianists must interact and signal one another in real-time rather than performing as soloists. The piece’s deep emotional impact is famously explored in the documentary Over Canto.

The Simeon Kwartet – comprising Emile Engel, Cathelijne Maat, Esther Scheerder, and Jacobus den Herder – specializes in performing Ten Holt’s works for four grand pianos.