‘Canto Ostinato’ is Simeon ten Holt’s best-known work. It is a series of parts. The musicians choose how they play and with what dynamics. In ‘Canto Ostinato’ the sounds merge and that produces a fascinating landscape about which Ten Holt said: “Time becomes the space in which the musical objects float”. In ‘Canto Ostinato’ all piano parts are interwoven. Piano 1 (Jacobus den Herder) plays the main line throughout the piece in a melodic motif of five notes. Piano II (Cathelijne Maat), plays the same motif, but in a different order. The last note of the piano 2 motif is the first note of the piano 1 motif, creating a hypnotic echo effect. Esther Scheerder and Emile Engel, with their basic parts, form the “rhythm section” of the Simeon Quartet.   

Since 1996, the ensemble has focused on the compositions for four grand pianos by the Dutch composer Simeon ten Holt. During his life, the pianists had regular contact with Ten Holt about the performance of his works. His criticisms led to more study and depth to better understand the music.  Mark Hengeveld creates a magical atmosphere with atmospheric lighting, making Canto an experience rather than a concert.