In de pers
Mark van de Voort, Concertzender15-11-2022
about Witness
“Even more impressive is the world premiere of Witness by the Tilburg composer Merijn Bisschops. He wrote his first string quartet for Bozzini, commissioned by November Music. Bisschops makes optimal use of the Bozzini's great intonation and sharp hearing. The half-hour long string quartet has a calm but self-assured structure, in which repetitive patterns and simple, radiant harmonies predominate. With relatively simple means, Bisschops sets up a completely unique, serene sound world. Dancing arpeggios on the strings also suddenly get new colour on the cheeks. Musical experiment with a narrative power. A masterstroke by Bisschops, which certainly leaves you wanting more.”
“Even more impressive is the world premiere of Witness by the Tilburg composer Merijn Bisschops. He wrote his first string quartet for Bozzini, commissioned by November Music. Bisschops makes optimal use of the Bozzini's great intonation and sharp hearing. The half-hour long string quartet has a calm but self-assured structure, in which repetitive patterns and simple, radiant harmonies predominate. With relatively simple means, Bisschops sets up a completely unique, serene sound world. Dancing arpeggios on the strings also suddenly get new colour on the cheeks. Musical experiment with a narrative power. A masterstroke by Bisschops, which certainly leaves you wanting more.”
Ben Taffijn, Nieuwe Noten14-11-2022
about Witness
“The form of the string quartet fits perfectly with Bisschops' style of composing, 'Witness' may be his first for this line-up, but it will certainly not be his last. Leading in the first movement is a repetitive pattern of the first violin, around which the other strings circle. Gradually the music changes character, but very gradually, a bit like the landscape changes when you look outside from a moving train. Also beautiful is the rhythmic pattern in the high spectrum, sounding like a swarm of insects. The middle section has something dark and disruptive, in which the cello plays a major role. In the third part, the repetitive patterns return and the circle closes.”
“The form of the string quartet fits perfectly with Bisschops' style of composing, 'Witness' may be his first for this line-up, but it will certainly not be his last. Leading in the first movement is a repetitive pattern of the first violin, around which the other strings circle. Gradually the music changes character, but very gradually, a bit like the landscape changes when you look outside from a moving train. Also beautiful is the rhythmic pattern in the high spectrum, sounding like a swarm of insects. The middle section has something dark and disruptive, in which the cello plays a major role. In the third part, the repetitive patterns return and the circle closes.”