composer
Joey Roukens (b. 1982) is an Amsterdam-based composer of contemporary classical music. He studied classical composition at Codarts University of the Arts and psychology at Leiden University. Since graduating in ...
related works
Zwei Heine Lieder : for alto or mezzo-soprano and piano / Gustav Mahler; realised by Joey Roukens
Genre:
Vocal music
Subgenre:
Voice and piano
Scoring:
zang pf
Endless House : for 2 pianos and percussion / Ivo van Emmerik
Genre:
Chamber music
Subgenre:
Mixed ensemble (2-12 players)
Scoring:
2pf perc
Duo : for violin and cello / Milan Ristić
Genre:
Chamber music
Subgenre:
Mixed ensemble (2-12 players)
Scoring:
vn vc
Tao Naar Dis : for violin and accordion / Jesse Passenier
Genre:
Chamber music
Subgenre:
Mixed ensemble (2-12 players)
Scoring:
vl acc
composition
In Transit : for string quartet and percussion / Joey Roukens
Description:
In Transit is a 15-minute piece for string quartet and percussion, in which the music sounds as if it is continually in flux, like a kind of endless search for stability, which is not reached until the last five minutes of the piece. The first ten minutes are highly energetic, vibrant and with a strong rhythmic element, full of syncopations that may evoke the sound of rock and electronic dance music. Because of the music’s persistent forward momentum, the listener feels as if he is in transit on a journey and doesn’t know what his destination will be. Sometimes the music becomes more threatening and dark, other times it sounds more uplifting and groovy. Also, sometimes the music takes a ‘wrong turn’ (such as the short slow intermezzo, after which the energy of before is quickly restored and the old road retaken). After 9 or so minutes the music gets more and more intense and finally explodes into a ferocious, plaintive climax. It is only after the climax has faded away that the piece reaches its destination in its last five minutes, where the restless energy gives way to a slow, expressive chorale-like conclusion.