Aug21

A Dutch Musical Melting Pot

English Church, Haarlem

Estehaagse Ensemble & Duo Edelen

James & Xiangji Hewitt, violin Fred & Christina Edelen, cello & harpsichord

Thanks to Fonds Podiumkunsten for the financial support!

In the 17th and 18th Centuries, the Netherlands became a melting pot of styles, with a mixture of Dutch composers and travelling musicians who settled in the Netherlands.

David Peterson was originally German, but based in Amsterdam. He only composed one set of violin sonatas, ‘Spelstücken’ , influenced by the improvisatory ‘Stylus Fantasticus’ of earlier 17th Century composers, such as Walther and Biber. Willem de Fesch was a Dutch violone player and composer, active in Amsterdam 1710-1725. Later, he would travel to England and play with Handel’s orchestra. Nozeman grew up in Den Haag, before moving to Amsterdam, where he was organist of Remonstrantse Kerk. He also played in the orchestra of Stadtschouwburg, including compositions by de Fesch. Later, two virtuoso violinists came to the Netherlands, Leclair from Paris, and Locatelli from Italy. Locatelli, after a few years touring as a violinist, settled in Amsterdam, where he performed mostly for private audiences, and dedicated himself to teaching, composing and publishing. Leclair was engaged by the Princess of Orange as musician in Leeuwarden, and as Maestro di Capella in Den Haag. The two met in Amsterdam, and Leclair studied with Locatelli. There is also an account of a previous meeting between the two, at Kassel (Germany), where apparently the court jester had commented that Locatelli plays ‘like a devil’, and Leclair ‘like an angel’.

Now, as then, The Netherlands is a meeting ground for musicians from many countries. We, also originally from different countries but based in Den Haag and Amsterdam, are inspired by the musical history of these places, and all the musicians in the past who contributed to Dutch musical culture.

It is a benefit concert. All the donations at the door will go to the music fund of the Anglican Church, Haarlem English Church.