Imagine: you’re standing before an impressive painting from 1672 in the Saint Nicholas Church in Sint-Niklaas (Belgium). The royal blue and wine-red canvas depicts the Descent from the Cross, painted by Pieter Thys. For composer Koen DeJonghe, this artwork became the inspiration for a remarkable piece of music: his own version of the Stabat Mater.

DeJonghe’s composition is a fascinating example of how different musical worlds can merge. He combines the ancient Latin poem with a surprising instrumental arrangement: choir, violin, piano, synthesizer, and organ. This unusual combination creates a unique sonic landscape where past and present meet.

Bach, Purcell and Piazolla

The work is filled with musical references that run like a common thread throughout the composition. You can hear echoes of Bach in the organ parts, and there are moments when the chromatic descending bass line is reminiscent of Henry Purcell’s baroque music. But then suddenly an Argentine tango appears, complete with a squeaking and creaking violin in the style of Astor Piazzolla. These unexpected turns make the piece all the more fascinating. The violin part, played by his wife Sarah Wyffels, has a special role as ‘translator’ of the text. Sometimes she doubles the vocal line, then again she follows her own virtuosic or lyrical path. The synthesizer adds a modern touch and provides a full, orchestral sound, while the organ nods to the religious context of the inspiring painting.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this composition is how DeJonghe allows different styles to flow together naturally. From Gregorian chants to minimal music à la Max Richter, everything finds its place. The result is a work that is both traditional and innovative, where baroque and modernity don’t contradict but rather reinforce each other.

Dance

The musical journey gained an additional dimension when choreographer Ingolf Colmar created a modern dance for it, inspired by baroque dances. Thus, three art forms come together in the performance: the original painting, DeJonghe’s versatile composition, and the poetic movements of the dancers.

Broadcast

TThe concert recording of this Stabat Mater was received with great enthusiasm at Concertzender and was broadcast in the program ‘Concertzender Live’. You can listen to the recording via the following link:
https://www.concertzender.nl/programma/concertzender_live_809228/
The programming and commentary are by Leo August De Bock, a former journalist of VRT Belgium and a great music lover.