Materie

"De Materie" is a big statement of ambition, exuberance, intelligence: of man's reach exceeding his grasp.

Review: Great Noise Ensemble at the National Gallery of Art Anne Midgette 2010

Louis Andriessen's "De Materie" is called a "non-opera," also might be construed as a "non-symphony," and is probably one of the most important musical works of the late 20th century.

Review: Great Noise Ensemble at the National Gallery of Art Anne Midgette 2010

"De Materie" opens with 144 searing chords, like hammer blows; in this space, they were less searing than smeared across the echoing air, their component parts tugging at the ear, slightly unanchored.

Review: Great Noise Ensemble at the National Gallery of Art Anne Midgette 2010

Dutch composer Louis Andriessen's seminal opera "Da Materie" will be performed by the local group that has made a mark with its ambition and exuberance.

Going Out Guide for Oct. 18, 2010 Post 2010

There are a lot of reasons to give "De Materie" in a museum (including the fact that the third movement, called "De Stijl," is about Piet Mondrian), but acoustics are not among them.

Review: Great Noise Ensemble at the National Gallery of Art Anne Midgette 2010

Dutch composer Louis Andriessen's seminal opera "Da Materie" will be performed by the local group that has made a mark with its ambition and exuberance.

Free and easy: Arena Stage open house and 'Crochet Coral Reef' Alex Baldinger 2010

"De Materie" (matter), by the Netherlands 'leading composer, is an ambitious work that juxtaposes the history of Western progress with human love and the divine.

Review: Great Noise Ensemble at the National Gallery of Art Anne Midgette 2010

There was something wonderful about watching Andriessen's "De Materie" beneath the overhang of a giant Calder mobile in the National Gallery of Art. Andriessen, caught at intermission (and beaming with pleasure at the whole event), described how the huge shadow had arced over the players during rehearsals.

Links: De Materie, Adriana Lecouvreur Anne Midgette 2010

It's held regular seasons of contemporary chamber works in the years since, but nothing approaching the requirements of "De Materie."

Review: Great Noise Ensemble at the National Gallery of Art Anne Midgette 2010

The matter [Materie] of a judgment, which is provided by the lower level act of presentation, is what remains when one abstracts from affirmation and negation, or the simple complex of presentation

On A Trans-Atlantic Flight 2009