#90 seconds (4) - #90seconds heals

The Matangis have started a new initiative: #90seconds.
Matangi seeks deepening and artistic interpretation of online artistry in these times of isolation and loneliness.

Based on Helmut Krausser's novel Melodien, Matangi is looking for the secret melodies with mysterious healing powers which are believed to be lost. Composers from all over the world participate in this quest and compose a 90-second melody for string quartet. (read more)

Studying and rehearsing is fun and always necessary, but it is usually only possible to get to the core of the matter on stage. Then suddenly things happen that you have never taken into account or were unable to take into account. One does a certain thing and the other continues on this. Here a little delay, how will Daniel react to that? I see in Mary's facial expression that she is going to do something crazy. You then have to respond very quickly to that idea to come to a whole. Our strength with Matangi lies there, giving each other the freedom to create at the moment. It is a great loss that we cannot and are not allowed to do that now, but I feel that the pieces written for us really heal us in a certain matter. Just as the project's intention is. Working on new music, which has never had a fixed idea, and building from scratch is great. We can make the most of our creativity and inspiration to add color to the notes on paper (we play from iPads, but nevertheless).

It is so cool to see how each composer puts his own identity into the #90seconds project. Last Tuesday we were able to rehearse a number of new compositions by, among others, Javier Alvarez, Bob Zimmerman, Iris Hond, Rembrandt Frerichs …… all with their own style. While playing / rehearsing, we take on the role of the composer to get to the core of the piece. This often works very well, but at times the help of the composer is welcome. Fortunately, we have easy contact with most composers. Tuesday we used some of our hotlines, Iris Hond helped us by phone to better understand the piece. It is nice if someone listens from the sidelines and can provide us with useful tips and ideas. Sometimes you are then sent in a completely different direction, or confirmed in your idea.

With the Municipality of The Hague, we are looking into whether we can launch a crowdfunding in collaboration with Voordekunst, so that the composers can be paid for the assignments we have given them. This looks very good at first sight and we hope to be able to tell you more about it soon. On June 2 we will occupy the church in Beets again to record some of the #90seconds gems there together with NTR Radio 4.

Arno van der Vuurst

(watch the #90seconds videos here)
(read the other blogposts here)