It is a fine initiative, and gradually becoming a tradition of the Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen, to offer a classical concert during the Christmas holidays tailored for children. It is also commendable of parents and grandparents that they offer their young children this stepping stone to classical music in this way.
It is a refreshing change from K3, though admittedly those popular sing-alongs should also have their place. But through the approach of the Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen, in collaboration with the men of Die Verdammte Spielerei who take silliness and childlike fantasy as their guide, children learn in a playful manner about the broad spectrum of music, for classical masterpieces can also be presented in a fresh way. A programme for those who are young, or young at heart.
The Blue Hall of deSingel is packed to the rafters. Before the performance begins, it is extremely noisy with the many little voices telling their stories or asking questions. When the lights dim, it becomes suddenly silent as a mouse. In a diffuse night-blue light, the musicians and conductor Martijn Dendievel (recently nominated with the Klassiek Centraal Golden Label Debut) take the stage. The instruments are placed or laid down and the entire group positions itself at the front of the stage. They receive thunderous and cheering applause like pop stars. The tone is set immediately. A manual rainstorm is created and everyone is invited to participate (in the corridors of deSingel this was first taught by some of the musicians), first by rubbing hands together, then by snapping fingers and then by drumming on the chest. It sounds like a tremendous downpour, which gradually subsides with the movements in reverse mode.
Water becomes the golden thread. The concert opens with the composition 'Big Bang' loosely based on Eric Satie. Stefaan De Winter (text & idea) from Die Verdammte Spielerei takes the audience along on a journey and begins with the creation story and the formation of the oceans. Clouds form, as he lifts a large grey bag above his head. In the 'Symphony No. 1 The Lord of the Rings' there are heavy timpani strokes: thunder with flashes of light, a violent storm. He conjures up a magic potion involving water, presented in an understandable and visual way for the children and with a playful wink to the adults.
The text winds its way like a river, meandering in and between the various compositions. A dam, to contain the water, is represented by unfolding a large grey cloth that cleverly emerges from the grey cloud. His 5 companions from Die Verdammte Spielerei are jacks of all trades. In the middle above is an opening from which the water spurts out. A fine and wide blue cloth gushes out. Water must flow and passes over the heads of the audience all the way to the back of the hall. These interventions, and involving the audience in the action, makes it extra appealing for the very young.
This water-spouting happens to the tones of 'De Moldau from the other side' loosely based on B. Smetana. Further performances include 'Short Ride in a Fast Machine' by J. Adams, 'Fanfare for the Common Man' by A. Copland, 'Pictures at an Exhibition part 1' by M. Mussorgsky, 'Misirlou' from the film Pulp Fiction, 'Gymnopédie No. 2' by E. Satie, all skillfully arranged by Jelle Tassyns except for two arrangements credited to Die Verdammte Spielerei.
The music creates little ripples, as water flows. The story is also somewhat allegorical: the water is heavily burdened by industrialisation and environmental pollution, plastic and the like. The water wants to return to the mountains, yearning for clean and pure nature. Clouds form again... The circle is complete. The rain falls anew in the mountains as an eternal cycle. Streams, brooks, rivers form... The Symfonieorkest ends with 'Spetter, Pieter, Pater' a composition by Herman van Veen.
That both young and old enjoyed the beautiful music, the visual aspects and the antics of Die Verdammte Spielerei was evidenced by the spontaneous, exuberant and thunderous applause and the happy faces. And it was unmistakably clear: the musicians themselves also took great pleasure in this unconventional concert.
Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen & Die Verdammte Spielerei: a bull's-eye that leaves you wanting more.
- WHAT: family concert 'Fools'
- WHO: Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen & Die Verdammte Spielerei
- ARRANGEMENTS: Jelle Tassyns
- WHERE & WHEN: deSingel, Sunday 5 January
- PHOTOS: © Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen, mt