Simeon ten Holt’s most famous work is Canto Ostinato (1977-1979), and its popularity has only continued to grow. Written at the keyboard, the piece consists of 106 sections of just a few bars each, all in B-flat minor. While the order of sections and the tempo are strictly defined by Ten Holt, the duration is flexible, ranging anywhere from sixty minutes to several hours.

Canto Ostinato—meaning ‘obstinate chant’—is a work centered on time, space, and eternal movement. The four pianists, each at their own grand piano, must stay perfectly in sync, constantly signaling and responding to each other. This music’s enduring success is due to its profound emotional resonance, leading the audience on an unforgettable journey through a unique musical landscape.