Jan van Gilse's Fourth Symphony was difficult to publish due to World War I, with the publisher citing high costs, the risk of only one orchestra buying it, and the confiscation of copper reserves for printing plates.
Composer Biography
Jan van Gilse's music was largely forgotten after his death because most of his works were not published, as major European publishing houses were not interested.
Performer Biography
David Porcelijn, the conductor on this album, has held chief conductor and artistic director positions with several symphony orchestras and the Netherlands Dance Theatre, and is a professor of conducting.
Cultural Impact
Jan van Gilse was instrumental in establishing the Genootschap van Nederlandse Componisten (Netherlands Society of Composers) and the Bureau voor Muziek-Auteursrecht (BUMA) to protect composers' rights in the Netherlands.
Composer Biography
Jan van Gilse often had to contribute his own money to get his works published, and only one of his four symphonies was printed during his lifetime.
Composer Biography
Jan van Gilse and his two sons were active in the Dutch artists' resistance during World War II, leading to his going underground and the deaths of both his sons.
Historical Context
Jan van Gilse, a Dutch composer, refused an offer from Germany in 1938 to lead Dutch music, stating he would not have his works performed in a country that judged art by race, not value.
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