Hendrik Andriessen Orchestral Music a Welcome Reissue

Hendrik Andriessen was one of the Netherland's most important composers of the early 20th Century. His sons, Jurriaan and Louis Andressen would continue the tradition and become major composers of the late 20th Century. 

This release presents two albums previously released by NM Classics. And I'm glad to see them back in print. 

Disc one is a re-release from 1991. Roberta Alexander performs Andriessen's orchestral song cycle "Miroir de peine." 

Andriessen was an organist as well as a composer. He cited Cesar Franck (who was the same) as his inspiration. This cycle shows that influence, although Andriessen's spiritual mysticism has its own character. 

Disc one also includes two shorter selections sung by Alexander and two of Andriessen's most popular short orchestras. works. The Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Kuhnau shows Andriessen's mastery as an orchestrator. The Variations on a Theme by Couperin transform the original Baroque melody into an Impressionistic watercolor. 

The second disc, originally released in 1999, features works for solo instruments and orchestra. It includes his Concertino for Cello and Orchestra, the Concertino for Oboe with String Orchestra, and the Concerto for Violin and Orchestra. 

These postwar works show Andriessen at the top of his game. The pieces have a more angular quality to them than his prewar compositions (like the Miroir de peine). But all are still very much tonal, and all are quite beautiful.

The Netherlands Chamber Orchestra performs on both discs. The 1991 release is conducted by David Porcelijn, the second by Thierry Fischer. There's a little bit of difference in sound quality between the two discs, but hardly any in musical quality. Andriessen's works are performed by musicians who know and understand his music.

If you're not familiar with this patriarch of Dutch music, this is the release to start with. It's some of Andriessen's best compositions. I hope this isn't the only treasure Brilliant Classics releases from NM Classic's vaults. There's a lot more Andriessen waiting to be rediscovered.  

Hendrik Andriessen: Miroir de Piene, Orchestral Works & Concertos
Roberta Alexander, soprano
Netherlands Radio Chamber Orchestra; David Porcelijn, Thierry Fischer, conductors
Brilliant Classics
2 CD set