In Deep Silence III

The original version of DEEP SILENCE III (Impression on a Theme from Haydn) was composed in 2003, commissioned by the Festival der Voorkempen. It is the third work in a series of intimate chamber music pieces inspired by silence and tranquillity. In 2017, Wim Henderickx arranged this work for string orchestra, commissioned by the Boho Strings and conductor David Ramael. Together with three other of his works for string orchestra, it was recorded on the full CD “Nostalgia”, which was presented during the release concert at deSingel in Antwerp in December 2018. In 2020, Wim Henderickx composed a version for five viola da gambas, commissioned by the Hathor Consort. The melodic and harmonic material is inspired by J. Haydn's Emperor Quartet. The piece consists of three movements. Each movement is based on a fragment of Haydn's theme. It is a personal commentary, going beyond a simple variation on the theme. In the first movement, the melody is played by the first violin and the cello in high flageolet tones, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The second movement presents the melody in the viola as a lament. In the third movement, the melody lies in the first violin above a static, harmonic foundation. The free (aleatoric) notation offers each performer the opportunity to give their own interpretation. Wim Henderickx wrote: 'Play this music in a state of meditation, without a sense of time'.