Alexander Melnikov & Alexej Lubimov & Alexej Zuev & Slava Poprugin

‘Canto Ostinato’ by Simeon ten Holt (1923-2012) is more than simply a piece of music. It is a hypnotic experience. The work from 1973-76 is the Netherlands’ most celebrated contribution to minimal music. Unlike the majority of minimalists, who often emphasise the rhythmic aspect, Ten Holt concentrates on the melody and the sound. A repetitive figure in the bass (‘ostinato’) forms the basis for the work.

Every performance of ‘Canto Ostinato’ is unique, as Ten Holt gives the musicians a great deal of freedom in how they approach the score. The performance time can vary from sixty minutes to three hours. The line-up also varies: it can be for one or more keyboard instruments, although the composer’s preference was for a performance with four pianos. In short: this is mesmerising music that gets firmly under your skin!

AT 6 PM THERE WILL BE A SCREENING OF THE FILM ‘Over Canto’ in the Blue Hall. This film screening is INCLUDED in your concert ticket.