Louis Andriessen – De Staat

Louis Andriessen wrote “De Staat” (after Plato’s “Politeia” = The State) to give vent to his frustration music hadn’t turned out to be the apocalyptic force capable of changing society…in the philosopher’s book, politicians are urged to curb down freedom of artists in general and that of musicians in particular; this because art would by nature be opposed to the establishment.

In the sixties, of course, both those pro and contra society’s status quo respectively feared and hoped otherwise. Or how should one explain the Dutch policemen’s behaviour when, on August 8, 1964, they turned The Rolling Stones Rock ‘n Roll party in the Scheveninger Kurhaus into a “Bash ‘n Beat” front line? On that memorable day, both policemen and youngsters apparently thought the time for revolution had come.

It hadn’t - we know better now, as does (did) Andriessen. Not much has changed…although Keith Richards would protest against this notion. For this die-hard rockstar maintains it was pop & rock which freed new generations from the narrow morals of their parents – I think he may be right.

About “De Staat”: I like this piece very much. I’d say it combines the minimalism of a Reich or Glass with the rough down-to-earth approach of Stravinsky’s wind instrument sections. The female chorus forms a beautiful addition!

Performing artists:

Nederlands Blazers Ensemble (Dutch Wind Ensemble)
Conductor: Lucas Vis

This is a single track piece. Strictly speaking, a cuesheet wasn't necessary, but well...