Wagenaar believed in a distinct Dutch identity in music, characterized by simple melodies, amiability, naive joy, calm emotion, clear rhythms, and a sense of humor.
Performer Biography
Antony Hermus, the conductor, has been nominated as 'Conductor of the Year' in the Opernwelt music magazine's critics' survey in both 2010 and 2011.
Compositional Technique
Wagenaar's orchestral works are generally short, often programmatic, and influenced by Hector Berlioz in instrumentation and Richard Strauss in melodic style.
Recording & Production
Antony Hermus's discography includes a highly acclaimed recording of Mahler and Hans Rott, and Johan Wagenaar's 'Summer of Life' with the Northwest German Philharmonic for cpo.
Critical Reception
An early commentator in 1932 described Wagenaar's 'Le Cid' as 'real Dutch' in the sense of 'corny,' while a foreign conductor called him 'a bigger master than people in Holland realize'.
Composer Biography
Johan Wagenaar, the composer, was the most popular Dutch composer in the twentieth century and held various positions, including director of the Royal Conservatory in The Hague.
