Classical music world mourns Dutch composer Louis Andriessen

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Louis Andriessen in 2015. Photo: Francesca Patella
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Louis Andriessen in 2015. Photo: Francesca Patella
Authors
Francesca Patella
Discipline
Music
Classical Music

Classical music world mourns Dutch composer Louis Andriessen

Louis Andriessen passed away on the first of July.
By Lotte Bosch

Last week, the Dutch composer and leading figure of contemporary music Louis Andriessen (June 6, 1939 - July 1, 2021) passed away at age 82. He suffered from dementia and is survived by his widow, violinist Monica Germino.

His work

Andriessen leaves behind a corpus of remarkable music including the ensemble work De Staat and the opera Writing to Vermeer. His final work was May for choir and orchestra, a tribute to Frans Bruggen which set texts from the classic Dutch impressionist poem by Herman Gorter that was premiered in the NTR ZaterdagMatinee series at the Concertgebouw in December 2020.

Media
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Louis Andriessen in 2015. Photo: Francesca Patella
Caption
Louis Andriessen in 2015. Photo: Francesca Patella
Authors
Francesca Patella

International music world

Andriessen was a towering figure in the international music world. His passing is noticed by music ensembles and orchestras from all over the world and the international press. The New York Philharmonic remembers Andriessen for “his adventurous approach to music”.

His legacy was felt in Australia too, writes the Netherlands Embassy And Consulate General In Australia on Facebook. His opera Writing to Vermeer was staged at the Adelaide Festival of Arts and he was a mentor and teacher to fine composers such as Mary Finsterer and Kate Moore.

The Guardian published an obituary of Andriessen for his engagement in political activities that helped bring about democratic changes in the organisation of Dutch culture. Andriessen was a noted teacher of composition and had a worldwide influence on younger composers.

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Louis Andriessen’s 'Symphony for Open Strings' by New York Philharmonic in New York City.
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