Dutch Chamber Music by Van Bree, Röntgen & Coenen

Featuring

Viktor Liberman
Paul Verhey
Jan Spronk
Jacques Meertens
Jacob Slagter
Peter Steinmann

Jos de Lange
Guus Dral
Jacques Zoon
Viotta Ensemble
Johannes Bernardus van Bree
Julius Röntgen
Johannes Meinardus Coenen

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Composition History

Julius Röntgen's Serenade Op.14 was composed in 1876 for the silver wedding anniversary of his uncle and mentor, Julius Klengel Sr.

Composer Biography

Johannes B. Van Bree, a violinist, was known as the 'National Composer' for his martial songs composed during the Belgian uprising (1830-1834).

Composer Biography

Johannes M. Coenen, a bassoonist, was highly respected as a conductor and composer in Amsterdam, and also as a bassoonist for the Amsterdam Wind Quintet, which he joined in 1861.

Composer's Artistic Vision

The three composers on this album — Johannes B. Van Bree, Julius Röntgen, and Johannes M. Coenen — were exponents of the classical-romantic style of composition of the Leipzig School, represented by Felix Mendelssohn.

Composition History

Johannes van Bree's Allegro for four string quartets was premiered in 1845 with 32 stringed instruments, as it was common for him to perform chamber works in larger settings.

Performer Biography

The Viotta Ensemble, comprised of members of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam, was founded in 1992 and is named in honor of Henri Viotta, who conducted the first concert in the Concertgebouw in 1888.

Critical Reception

Julius Röntgen's Serenade for seven wind instruments was praised by Johannes Brahms, who wrote to Clara Schumann that it was "quite charming, truly enchanting" with "delightful freshness, cleverness and intimacy."