February 1943
A second autograph is dated 2 May 1945 - 20 March 1946
First printed by Alsbach, Amsterdam
I. Moderato
II. Lento
Nov 14, 1943 First performance by Jan Odé at illegal house concert, 2e vd Boschstraat 36, Den Haag
Johanna Bordewijk-Roepman was a versatile composer. She wrote for piano, small ensembles, for large orchestra, choirs and even carillon. She largely taught herself composition and displayed an enormous originality. Her music cannot be categorized into any style or school. During World War II she was a supporter of the artists' resistance and courageously refused to register with the Kultuurkamer, imposed by the German occupiers to register, regulate and/or restrict the activities of Dutch intellectuals and artists. Those who signed up to participate had to sign a declaration of (Aryan) ethnicity. Jews were not allowed. After the war, she and her husband were members of the ‘Courts of Honour’, established to purge one’s own discipline of collaborating colleagues.
by Elly Kamp
From the bottom of my heart