An introduction to contemporary music in ordinary language.
An ox on the roof 48: The Ox in times of war #12
Episode forty-eight of “An Ox on the Roof” by Thea Derks, inspired by her book “An Ox on the Roof: Modern Music After 1900 in a Nutshell.”
This is the twelfth episode of “The Ox in Times of War.” Since the brutal attack by Putin on his neighbor Ukraine on February 24, 2022, this program has been dedicated to modern music from Ukraine. While only Valentin Silvestrov was known in this country until now, works by underexposed Ukrainian composers are increasingly being heard not only on this program but also on concert stages.
The tough resistance of the army and the brave Ukrainian people against the overwhelming force of Russia is inspiring and hopeful. It once again illustrates how people are willing to make many sacrifices – even their lives – to live in freedom. In the West, after a year of struggle, the realization has sunk in that President Zelensky and his supporters are also fighting for our freedom against the ever-increasing expansionist tendencies of autocratic regimes.
In 2016, a large majority of the Dutch still voted against a proposed association agreement between Ukraine and the European Union. In the meantime, we see Ukrainians as an integral part of our Western culture, which deserves to be defended. Unfortunately, we are always one step behind in terms of material aid to Ukraine. Whether the country can sustain its unequal struggle or even win it remains to be seen in the future. We hope for the best.
Today’s broadcast is entirely dedicated to the cycle “Todos los fuegos el fuego” for saxophone octet, which was composed by the Ukrainian composer Maxim Shalygin, who lives in the Netherlands, in 2019. He was inspired by the eponymous collection of short stories by the Argentine writer Julio Cortázar. The cycle was recorded on CD in 2020 by two Dutch ensembles: the Amstel Quartet and the Keuris Quartet.
A demonstration of international collaboration, whose title – “All fires the fire” – beautifully refers to the unyielding determination with which the Ukrainians defend themselves against their aggressors.
Slava Ukraïni!
The first edition of “Een os op het dak” is sold out, but you can receive a copy of the second edition through boekenbestellen.nl.
Maxim Shalygin (born 1985).
Todos los fuegos el fuego (selection).
Amstel Quartet & Keuris Quartet.
