Triptych, Cobra 2014

Lucas Huybrechts, 5 September 2014 

Triptych showcases recent work by Belgian composer Wim Henderickx. The first piece, Nada Brahma, is rooted in Buddhism and part of the Tantric Cycle. It refers to Eastern music yet remains authentically Henderickx. Scales, mantra-like repetition, long-held chords and spiritual atmospheres appear, but always from a distance. The music evokes abstract mindsets and alternates between ambience and theoretical structure.

Nada Brahma is written for the Hermes Ensemble, joined by soprano Hendrickje van Kerckhove. Electronics transport the listener into the cosmos.

Earthly The second work, On the Road, features bass flute over electronic drones. Despite the literary reference to Kerouac, the music leans toward spiritual escape.

Atlantic Wall, the third work, aligns with Stephan Vanfleteren’s photography. The music suggests the stark contrasts of the Atlantic bunkers. Percussive and earthly, but still bearing Henderickx’s spiritual signature. The four elements play a symbolic role.

Triptych demonstrates the synergy between Henderickx and the Hermes Ensemble, yielding deeply reflective music.