The Matter - Louis Andriessen / Phia Ménard

Must-see contemporary monument Louis Andriessen, probably the most important Dutch composer of the past centuries, completed his magnum opus De Materie in 1988. Some reviewers called it 'a philosophical opera', others conversely 'a theatrical ultra-symphony'. Yet they agree that De Materie is an absolute contemporary monument. Echoes of Igor Stravinsky, Johann Sebastian Bach and Steve Reich resound in spine-tingling percussion, catchy boogie-woogie fugues and enchanting minimalism. The text transports us to the early modern period – an era of shipbuilding and rebellion against the Spanish –, to the 13th century for a beautifully poignant vision of Hadewijch and to the 20th century of Mondriaan and Marie Curie. In each of the four parts, matter is transformed through interaction with the human spirit. Internationally acclaimed director Phia Ménard and choreographers Antonio De Rosa and Mattia Russo (KOR'SIA) carry this line through to a total experience in which set design, dance and music are in constant motion.