Eclipse, Vol. 2: Hans Henkemans

“The following unpublished piece by Henkemans played by Spee, Andante con Moto from 1939, shows that given the current revaluation of tonality as in the music of Mathilde Wantenaar and Rick van Veldhuysen, Henkemans really does deserve a place back in the Dutch composer canon.”

“Dutch pianist and composer Mattias Spee has emerged as an ambassador for the - once maligned - music of Hans Henkemans. Last month, his album was released on the TRPTK label. Of particular note is Henkemans' opus 1, a Concert for piano and strings.”

“With this recording, Spree and Spanjaard have rescued a Dutch composer that was not only unjustly neglected but also purposefully removed from the music scene. However, it may take some time before Henkemans will be fully reinstated in a position he ought to have had: An noteworthy exponent of Dutch cultural tradition in the 20th century. Do I have to mention that Brendon Heinst stands for the best-sounding high-resolution possible? Do listen for yourself.”

“Spee emerges as an Edgar Allan Poe-like narrator, with a great sense of emotional undercurrents. It is also fascinating how the pianist - over the grave - seeks the musical conversation with Henkemans himself in four 'intermezzi' of his own.”

“Great performance - The latter words apply first and foremost to Mattias Spee's tremendous artistic achievement, for that is certainly not amiss where both these albums are concerned. The music is extremely well-presented, is alternately energetic and delicate, resilient and graceful, expressively deeply layered, and enveloped in a rich palette of light and shadow within a ravishing texture, with, in addition - the one flowing from the other - a highly developed sense of form and content.”

“The sonic realm of Henkemans (student of Willem Pijper) is that of Ravel: full, saturated harmonies, delicate melody lines and often a hint of longing or wistfulness.”

“This CD shows just how appealing and special Henkemans' music is. It also certainly helps that Spee is a technically competent but, above all, passionate ambassador of Henkemans. Let us hope that Henkemans will continue to move many listeners, something he has strived for throughout his life.”

“Mattias Spee, meanwhile, is a committed advocate. His superb technique and ability to get under the skin of the music produce breathtaking listening sessions. [...] The music of the middle movement has a wonderfully meditative character that gradually builds toward extroverted moments. A short, virtuoso finale maintains the tension until the very last bar. Praise for soloist and orchestra who indulge in this musical adventure with verve.”