Wim Henderickx composed Rejoice! (Hymn for New Times) for large orchestra in 2022 on commission from the Belgian National Orchestra. The orchestra invited him as composer-in-residence for the 2023–2024 season, but Wim Henderickx passed away unexpectedly in December 2022.
The Belgian National Orchestra decided to continue this collaboration with performances of both newly composed and existing orchestral works by Henderickx. His musical assistant Diederik Glorieux prepared Rejoice! for performance with the orchestra, and Jorrit Tamminga developed the electronics. On 8 September 2023, the orchestra opened its season with the posthumous premiere of the work at Bozar, conducted by Antony Hermus.
The composition is inspired by Bach’s cantata Tönet, ihr Pauken! Erschallet, Trompeten! (BWV 214). Henderickx used this work as a source of inspiration for the harmonic structure and instrumentation, while giving it a completely personal musical interpretation. Above all, with Rejoice!, he wanted to convey a positive message in today’s turbulent world.
The work consists of five movements and an epilogue. Within a clearly defined harmonic framework, the musicians are given space for improvisation and for developing their own melodic lines. Three different energies determine the density and sonic development of the work, while the electronics add an ethereal dimension.
Text: Bea Steylaerts and Diederik Glorieux
- Year
- 2022
- Duration
- ca. 17'
- Instrumentation
- Flute (1 or more), Oboe (1 or more), Clarinet in Bb (1 or more), Bassoon (1 or more), Horn (1 or more), Trumpet in C (1 or more), Trombone (1 or more), Timpani, Percussion 1, Percussion 2, Percussion 3, Harp, Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Violoncello, Double bass, Flexible, Electronics
- Commission
- Belgian National Orchestra
Publication
- Publisher
- Norsk Musikkforlag
Premiere
- Date
- 8 September 2023
- Place
- Bozar, Brussels
- Performers
- Belgian National Orchestra | Jorrit Tamminga, electronics | Antony Hermus, conductor