Musical walking tour of Duivenvoorde Castle

What do you hear during the walk?

Béla Bartók (1881-1945)
Selection from 44 duos for two violins (1931)

Béla Bartók's 44 duos for two violins are short pieces inspired by folk music from Eastern Europe, in which Bartók combines simple melodies with rich rhythms and harmonies. The duos are both a pedagogical work for violinists but are at the same time artistically brilliant masterpieces, bringing together Bartók's great love of folk culture and his contemporary musical language. Delightful miniatures!

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Parts from Suite No. 1 for cello solo (c. 1717-1723)

The Sarabande, Minuet and Gigue from Bach's First Suite for cello solo (BWV 1007) each show a very distinct character: the Sarabande is slow and meditative, the Minuet elegant and dance-like and the Gigue lively, energetic and rhythmic. Side by side, these movements are very contrasting and show the versatility of the cello. Bach's Cello Suites are among the great cello literature.

Nick Woud (1955)
First Song (2005)

Dutch timpanist Nick Woud spent twenty years with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra as a solo timpanist. He is also active as a composer and has written music for radio and TV, chamber music works and for symphonic scoring. First Song is a lyrical work for bass trombone that fully exploits the expressive possibilities of the instrument. The piece calls for a warm tone, smooth phrasing and control of the low register. The composition is introspective and melodic, with an almost vocal approach to the trombone sound.

Farid Sheek (1994)
Improvisation on the daf

The fascination of the daf, a traditional Persian percussion instrument, lies in its rich timbre and expressive possibilities. With one instrument, the player can create a wide range of rhythms, dynamics and effects. Moreover, the daf is of spiritual and cultural significance. Not only musically, but also emotionally and ritually, the sound resonates strongly with both player and listener. A fascinating discovery, especially in the hands of Farid Sheek!

Concert by string quartet Residentie Orkest

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
First movement (Allegro) from Divertimento in D, KV 136 (1772)

In the winter of 1772, after some great travels through Italy, the 16-year-old Mozart wrote several Divertimenti for musical evenings organized in the homes of wealthy Salzburgers. It is fantastic, energetic music for strings with an upbeat first movement that immediately piques everyone's ears.

Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992)
Libertango (1974)

One of Piazzolla's best-known works, Libertango, marks an important turning point in the history of tango. The title - a contraction of "libertad" (freedom) and "tango" - symbolizes his break with traditional tango forms. With fiery rhythms, sharp accents and a modern flair, Libertango ushers in the birth of "tango nuevo": a style that combines freedom, improvisation and classical influences.

Antonin Dvořák (1841-1904)
Second movement (Lento) from String Quartet No. 12 in F, 'The American' (1893)

The slow movement from the American String Quartet is one of the most beloved movements in quartet literature. In this Lento, Dvořák expresses a sense of warmth, nostalgia and freedom inspired by his stay in the United States. The simple, almost folksong-like melody is masterfully developed in an atmosphere of subdued beauty and melancholy.

John Lennon (1940-1980)
Imagine (1971)

Freedom is the unifying theme of this short quartet program. Imagine is the synonym for reflecting on value, justice and dreaming together of a better world. This iconic melody echoes a hopeful call: to use music, imagination and connection to make the world a more beautiful place. A timeless work that continues to inspire.