Inspired by poems by Arthur Rimbaud
January 1940
I. Fleurs
II. Antique
III. Bottom
Mar 9, 1940 Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Eduard Flipse Further performances: 13th November 1940 by the Residentie Orchestra in Diligentia, The Hague, conducted by Frits Schuurman 29th November 1941 by the Arnhemsche Orkest-Vereeniging in Concertgebouw 'De Vereeniging' in Nijmegen, conducted by Jaap Spaanderman
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