De Materie

For the first time in almost ten years, Louis Andriessen’s visionary masterpiece can be heard again in the Netherlands! De Materie (1984–1988) is a musical spectacle of unprecedented proportions: 63 musicians on stage, four movements based on texts from four centuries, and a monumental opening of 144 chords performed by the full ensemble.

For lovers of De Stijl and Piet Mondrian, De Materie offers a unique listening experience. The third movement, De Stijl, is a direct homage to this art movement. Here, Andriessen draws inspiration from Mondrian’s abstract, geometric principles, weaving rhythmic patterns with a pulsating boogie-woogie groove. The precise, repetitive structures of Andriessen’s music reflect the radical simplicity and harmony of De Stijl.

But De Materie is more than just a musical reflection on art. Each movement highlights a different revolutionary idea. The first movement refers to the Plakkaat van Verlatinghe (1581), the declaration through which the Netherlands freed itself from Spanish rule—a powerful symbol of political and intellectual independence that still resonates strongly today.

The second movement, titled Hadewijch, is based on the Seventh Vision of the 13th-century mystic Hadewijch. In this vision, she describes an intense, spiritual, and even erotic union with the divine. Andriessen translates this mystical experience into a calm and introspective musical language, transporting the listener to a world of spiritual contemplation.

The final movement honors Madame Curie, the groundbreaking scientist who revolutionized our understanding of matter and radiation. These layered themes make De Materie a work of art as visionary and innovative as the artists and thinkers it celebrates.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience Andriessen’s magnum opus live—a musical journey that brings together art, science, and history in an immersive and unforgettable performance.