An interview about the recorder, recorder music and the CD Kadanza
This interview previously appeared in The Recorder, volume 8, no. 1 (January 2016)
by Stephanie Brandt
Willem Wander van Nieuwkerk is known, among other things, for his versatile and accessible compositions that are often inspired by pop or jazz music. He recently released the CD Kadanza with his collected music for recorder, written between 1985 and 2015. ‘Recorder’ spoke to the composer about his sources of inspiration, the development of the recorder and the role of the (amateur) performer in contemporary music.
Briefly introduce yourself to our readers; what should they know about you?
I am a composer and have studied musicology, I play the piano but have also performed as a percussionist and conductor. In addition, I am an amateur chorister. Beauty, friendship and my family are important to me. When I have a musical idea, writing on note paper or improvising at the piano, I feel happy. Well, I mostly do.
I have developed somewhat ‘backwards’. I improvised first and then learned to play the piano properly. I learned new music first and then old. I listened to all kinds of non-classical music and only then got to know the traditional ‘classical music’ that I am part of now. >>>