Dutch Masters Suite

The Project

A pictorial idea is developed and captured based on an auditory experience in the project mentioned above. The concert of a local symphonic brass orchestra performing exceptional contemporary compositions on a high level gave rise to the aural expression which inspired INK to take this approach. Unlike more accessible pieces, these works demanded high standards on part of the listener. The eponymous “Dutch Masters Suite” by composer, conductor and trombonist Johan de Meij (*1953 Voorburg/Netherlands, resident in New York) consists of three parts.

All three parts are based on Dutch masterpieces – the composer’s favourite works and, thus, a very visual experience for him. These works – exhibited in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam – were created around 1650, at the height of Dutch and Flemish painting. This period with its artistic operating principles, conversely, provides the basis for INKs drawing technique, which is based on glazing, i.e. structured in many superimposed layers.

The pieces set to music by the composition are Rembrandt von Rijn’s “Nachtwacht”, Johan Vermeer’s “De liefdesbrief” and Jan Steen’s “Prinsjesdag”. Particular attention was directed to the latter for this project.

INK developed these audible nuances in fulsome detail while putting special emphasis on the emotions arising thereby. At the same time, the instruments used offered an opportunity for her to further deepen upon the theme of “mirroring and reflection”, her implementation of this subject in the form a diptych having been awarded an international art prize as early as spring 2011 (jury members included Prof.Dr. Götz Adriani and Prof. Dr. Pia Müller-Tamm).

An exhibition of the paintings paired with a performance of the musical piece personally conducted by the composer opened the cultural summer Main-Kinzig-Fulda event in 2014