Reports from the Low Country
Original music for double bass
Raw salted herring and a toasted sandwich with brandied fruits and mature cheese were standard lunch repertoire during the wonderful sessions we had with the composer Martijn Padding. As a double bass player, there’s nothing so exciting as being able to witness the birth of new pieces for my instrument. And look how rich Holland is in incredible composers whose music should be played much more often!
So I’m really proud and grateful, especially for the support of Channel Classics in realising this dream project, to present four fantastic Dutch composers on this CD: Martijn Padding, Michel van der Aa, Louis Andriessen and Hans Kox. And all this together with the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra under James Gaffigan and my friends and family Christianne Stotijn, Rosanne Philippens and Hans Eijsackers.
— Rick Stotijn (from the booklet notes)
‘This is a release that hits the bullseye in every respect by the stout input from Rick Stotijn: the choice of repertoire, the unrestricted virtuosity and of course that bold cover.’
— Opus Klassiek
‘Stotijn plays brilliantly and turns the double bass into a wonderfully singing, sighing, moaning and howling ‘primo uomo’. A veritable feast for adventurous listeners.’
— Klassieke Zaken
‘In the hands of Rick Stotijn, the double bass changes from a growler into a ballerina.’
— Volkskrant
‘Proof that the roaring colossus can also be a versatile solo instrument.’
— NRC