![Theo verbey-1597864060](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Theo_verbey-1597864060.jpg)
Theo Verbey (5 July 1959 – 13 October 2019) was a
Dutch
Dutch commonly refers to:
* Something of, from, or related to the Netherlands
* Dutch people ()
* Dutch language ()
Dutch may also refer to:
Places
* Dutch, West Virginia, a community in the United States
* Pennsylvania Dutch Country
People E ...
composer.
Biography
Theo Verbey was a Dutch contemporary classical composer whose music is performed by orchestras and ensembles throughout the world. His style could be considered to be associated with
Postmodern music
Postmodern music is music in the art music tradition produced in the postmodern era. It also describes any music that follows aesthetical and philosophical trends of postmodernism. As an aesthetic movement it was formed partly in reaction to mo ...
. Verbey was also a skilled arranger who first achieved recognition for his orchestral instrumentation of
Alban Berg
Alban Maria Johannes Berg ( , ; 9 February 1885 – 24 December 1935) was an Austrian composer of the Second Viennese School. His compositional style combined Romantic lyricism with the twelve-tone technique. Although he left a relatively sma ...
's
Piano Sonata, Op. 1, a piece he orchestrated in 1984 while still a student. He studied at the
Royal Conservatory of The Hague
The Royal Conservatoire ( nl, Koninklijk Conservatorium, KC) is a conservatoire in The Hague, providing higher education in music and dance. The conservatoire was founded by King William I in 1826, making it the oldest conservatoire in the Netherl ...
where he graduated in 1986. His principal composition teachers were
Peter Schat
Peter Ane Schat (5 June 1935, in Utrecht – 3 February 2003, in Amsterdam) was a Dutch composer.
Schat studied composition with Kees van Baaren at the Utrecht Conservatoire and the Royal Conservatory of The Hague from 1952 until 1958, and then ...
and Jan van Vlijmen. Upon completing his studies Verbey rapidly became one of the most performed of living Dutch composers.
["Composer in the Spotlight: Theo Verbey"]
, Music Center The Netherlands, Retrieved 31 August 2010. In 1987 he was awarded the Amsterdam Arts Fund's incentive award for young composers, and since received commissions from the
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra ( nl, Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest, ) is a Dutch symphony orchestra, based at the Amsterdam Royal Concertgebouw (concert hall). Considered one of the world's leading orchestras, Queen Beatrix conferred the "R ...
, Amsterdam Sinfonietta, the
London Sinfonietta
The London Sinfonietta is an English contemporary chamber orchestra founded in 1968 and based in London.
The ensemble has headquarters at Kings Place and is Resident Orchestra at the Southbank Centre. Since its inaugural concert in 1968—givi ...
, the
Residentie Orchestra Het Residentie Orkest (literal translation, ''The Residence Orchestra''; known also in English as ''Residentie Orkest The Hague'') is a Dutch orchestra based in The Hague. The orchestra is currently resident at the Amare performing arts centre in T ...
, the Dutch
Radio Filharmonisch Orkest
The Radio Filharmonisch Orkest (''Radio Philharmonic Orchestra''; Dutch abbreviation RFO) is a Dutch radio orchestra, based in Hilversum. The RFO performs under the aegis of the ''Muziekcentrum van de Omroep'' (Broadcasting Music Centre; NMBC), an ...
and the Dutch Radio Chamber Orchestra,
Klangforum Wien
The Klangforum Wien is an Austrian chamber orchestra, based in Vienna at the Konzerthaus, which specialises in contemporary classical music.
Founded by composer and conductor Beat Furrer in 1985, it is run on collective principles, having no o ...
, the
Deutsche Oper Berlin
The Deutsche Oper Berlin is a German opera company located in the Charlottenburg district of Berlin. The resident building is the country's second largest opera house (after Munich's) and also home to the Berlin State Ballet.
Since 2004, the De ...
and many others. Theo Verbey taught at both the Royal Conservatory of The Hague and the
Conservatorium van Amsterdam
The Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) is a Dutch conservatoire of music located in Amsterdam. This school is the music division of the Amsterdam University of the Arts, the city's vocational university of arts. The Conservatorium van Amsterdam ...
, as well as having been on the composition jury for the
Queen Elisabeth Music Competition
The Queen Elisabeth Competition ( nl, Koningin Elisabethwedstrijd, french: Concours musical international Reine Élisabeth) is an international competition for career-starting musicians held in Brussels. The competition is named after Queen ...
in Brussels in 1992 and 1997. His work shows a high regard for structure, beauty, and a great historical awareness, as well as a special regard for instrumental color and subtle harmonies.
Verbey showed a passionate interest in current events and was a member of a reading club devoted to the study of contemporary thought. His earliest musical memories were of singing nursery rhymes with one of his numerous aunts. He later began playing the recorder, and singing in the boys’ choir of his grammar school. He started composing music at the age of seven, writing small pieces for his school orchestra. While in high school, he also wrote some pop songs as well as music for a jazz/rock band of which he was a member.
Projects
Later commissions included ''Traurig wie der Tod'', a work for orchestra and chorus premiered by the Netherlands
Radio Filharmonisch Orkest
The Radio Filharmonisch Orkest (''Radio Philharmonic Orchestra''; Dutch abbreviation RFO) is a Dutch radio orchestra, based in Hilversum. The RFO performs under the aegis of the ''Muziekcentrum van de Omroep'' (Broadcasting Music Centre; NMBC), an ...
and the Netherlands Radio Choir, conducted by James Gaffigan, as well as ''Lumen ad Finem Cuniculi'', written for philharmonie zuidnederland and conducted by Dmitri Liss. The
Brodsky Quartet commissioned Verbey to provide a segment for their celebrated song cycle, ''Trees, Walls, Cities.'' Verbey composed ''4 Preludes to Infinity'' for The Stolz Quartet, a work which is included on their CD, Dutch Masters and Their Inspiration. More recently, the duo Andrea Vasi & Sebastiaan Kemner performed ''Ballade'', a work for trombone and piano written especially for them.
In 2007, Theo Verbey completed his second commission for the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra: LIED, for Trombone and Orchestra, with
Jörgen van Rijen as soloist. His ''Fractal Symphony'' was chosen by choreographer Regina van Berkel as music to accompany her ballet ''Memory of a Shape'' performed by
Ballet Mainz in 2009. Van Berkel also based a second ballet based on Verbey's music, which was performed by the ballet company of the
Deutsche Oper am Rhein
The Deutsche Oper am Rhein (German Opera on the Rhine) is an opera company based in Düsseldorf and Duisburg. The opera also has an associated classical ballet company. Axel Kober has been its Music Director since 2009. The resident orchestra, th ...
in February/March 2011 under the title ''Frozen Echo''. ''Memory of a Shape'' received its Dutch premiere in 2017, when it was performed by
Introdans. In November 2010, Theo Verbey's piece
Bandersnatch
A bandersnatch is a fictional creature in Lewis Carroll's 1871 novel ''Through the Looking-Glass'' and his 1874 poem ''The Hunting of the Snark''. Although neither work describes the appearance of a bandersnatch in great detail, in ''The Hunting ...
for cello and
pianola was premiered by Larissa Groeneveld as part of the Amsterdam Cello Biënnale. It was Mr. Verbey's second commission for the Biënnale.
In 2009/2010, Theo Verbey was Composer-in-Residence of the Brabant Philharmonic Orchestra, based in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. In celebration of that orchestra’s 60th jubilee, Verbey was commissioned to compose ''Orchestral Variations'' which showcases each section of the orchestra both individually and within the ensemble.
Verbey also collaborated with
Klangforum Wien
The Klangforum Wien is an Austrian chamber orchestra, based in Vienna at the Konzerthaus, which specialises in contemporary classical music.
Founded by composer and conductor Beat Furrer in 1985, it is run on collective principles, having no o ...
on their ''Free Radicals'' program, providing a score for
Man Ray
Man Ray (born Emmanuel Radnitzky; August 27, 1890 – November 18, 1976) was an American visual artist who spent most of his career in Paris. He was a significant contributor to the Dada and Surrealism, Surrealist movements, although his t ...
's 1923 film, ''Retour à la Raison.'' This was not Theo Verbey's first contact with the medium of film: in 1994, film maker
Alejandro Agresti
Alejandro Agresti (born June 2, 1961, in Buenos Aires) is an Argentine film director, writer and producer. A prominent filmmaker in his country, he also directed ''The Lake House (film), The Lake House'' with Hollywood, Los Angeles, Hollywood acto ...
used Verbey's piece ''TEGENBEWEGING'' as the basis of his short film which formed a segment of ''Hexagon'', a film project made for the
Holland Festival
The Holland Festival () is the oldest and largest performing arts festival in the Netherlands. It takes place every June in Amsterdam. It comprises theatre, music, opera and modern dance. In recent years, multimedia, visual arts, film and archite ...
.
In addition to composing his own works, Theo Verbey earned high regard for his orchestrations. One of his earliest successes,
Alban Berg
Alban Maria Johannes Berg ( , ; 9 February 1885 – 24 December 1935) was an Austrian composer of the Second Viennese School. His compositional style combined Romantic lyricism with the twelve-tone technique. Although he left a relatively sma ...
's
Piano Sonata, Op. 1, has been performed many times by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra,
among others. Other orchestrations included an arrangement of
Leoš Janáček
Leoš Janáček (, baptised Leo Eugen Janáček; 3 July 1854 – 12 August 1928) was a Czech composer, musical theorist, folklorist, publicist, and teacher. He was inspired by Moravian and other Slavic musics, including Eastern European fol ...
's piano sonata ''
1. X. 1905''. In 2006 Theo Verbey was asked by Amsterdam Sinfonietta to arrange the three remaining movements of
Alban Berg
Alban Maria Johannes Berg ( , ; 9 February 1885 – 24 December 1935) was an Austrian composer of the Second Viennese School. His compositional style combined Romantic lyricism with the twelve-tone technique. Although he left a relatively sma ...
's ''
Lyric Suite'' for string orchestra. At the invitation of ECHO (European Concert Hall Organization) this version of the Lyric Suite was included in Amsterdam Sinfonietta's successful 2011 tour of six major European cities. Mr. Verbey was granted permission by the heirs of
Igor Stravinsky
Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky (6 April 1971) was a Russian composer, pianist and conductor, later of French (from 1934) and American (from 1945) citizenship. He is widely considered one of the most important and influential composers of the ...
to complete the orchestration of the unfinished 1919 version of ''
Les noces
''Les Noces'' (French for The Wedding; russian: Свадебка, ''Svadebka'') is a ballet and orchestral concert work composed by Igor Stravinsky for percussion, pianists, chorus, and vocal soloists. The composer gave it the descriptive title " ...
'' for voices,
pianola, 2 cimbaloms, harmonium and percussion. This version has been so successful that Queen
Beatrix of the Netherlands
Beatrix (Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard, ; born 31 January 1938) is a member of the Dutch royal house who reigned as Queen of the Netherlands from 1980 until her abdication in 2013.
Beatrix is the eldest daughter of Queen Juliana and her husband ...
chose it for her annual Queen's Day Concert in her palace in
The Hague
The Hague ( ; nl, Den Haag or ) is a city and municipality of the Netherlands, situated on the west coast facing the North Sea. The Hague is the country's administrative centre and its seat of government, and while the official capital of ...
. Verbey also orchestrated three
Mussorgsky
Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky ( rus, link=no, Модест Петрович Мусоргский, Modest Petrovich Musorgsky , mɐˈdɛst pʲɪˈtrovʲɪtɕ ˈmusərkskʲɪj, Ru-Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky version.ogg; – ) was a Russian compo ...
song cycles (Sunless, the Nursery, and Songs and Dances of Death), which are regularly performed. He also arranged
Scriabin
Alexander Nikolayevich Scriabin (; russian: Александр Николаевич Скрябин ; – ) was a Russian composer and virtuoso pianist. Before 1903, Scriabin was greatly influenced by the music of Frédéric Chopin and composed ...
's Preludes op. 33, as well as Three Choral Preludes by J.S. Bach for oboe, violin, viola and cello.
Educational activities
Theo worked at the
Royal Conservatory of The Hague
The Royal Conservatoire ( nl, Koninklijk Conservatorium, KC) is a conservatoire in The Hague, providing higher education in music and dance. The conservatoire was founded by King William I in 1826, making it the oldest conservatoire in the Netherl ...
since 1984 as a teacher of Music Theory, where he was known as an intelligent and dedicated teacher with a strong commitment to the education of young musicians. In 1995, he joined the faculty of the
Conservatorium van Amsterdam
The Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) is a Dutch conservatoire of music located in Amsterdam. This school is the music division of the Amsterdam University of the Arts, the city's vocational university of arts. The Conservatorium van Amsterdam ...
, as well.
As a teacher, Verbey was known for his extensive knowledge of the history and development of the art of instrumentation, as well as his precise arrangements and orchestrations. He was devoted to teaching, and took his obligation extremely seriously. He would work out his own solution to every orchestration assignment, so his students could look over his shoulder, as it were. Theo Verbey was held in high esteem by his colleagues, and there was no dispute about his authority as a theorist and orchestrator. He was also known for his kind and considerate approach to students outside the classroom. He demonstrated a similar regard for his colleagues, always being well informed and utterly professional. As a composer, he belonged to a dying species, the "composer-theorist." In the Netherlands, he represented one of the few remaining links between the two disciplines, which have been bound together throughout the history of music.
Works
Orchestra/Large Ensemble
* 2019 ''Ariadne'' for large orchestra, commissioned by the
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra ( nl, Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest, ) is a Dutch symphony orchestra, based at the Amsterdam Royal Concertgebouw (concert hall). Considered one of the world's leading orchestras, Queen Beatrix conferred the "R ...
* 2017-18 ''After the Great War'' for large orchestra, written to mark the ending of
World War I
World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, the United States, and the Ottoman Empire, with fightin ...
, commissioned by the
Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra ( Finnish:''Tampere Filharmonia'') is a Finnish orchestra based in Tampere. Founded in 1930, and maintained by the municipality of Tampere since 1947, the orchestra is currently based in the Tampere Hall. The ...
and the
Residentie Orchestra Het Residentie Orkest (literal translation, ''The Residence Orchestra''; known also in English as ''Residentie Orkest The Hague'') is a Dutch orchestra based in The Hague. The orchestra is currently resident at the Amare performing arts centre in T ...
* 2015 ''Lumen Ad Finem Cuniculi'' for large orchestra, written to commemorate the end in 1976 of coal
Mining in Limburg
Coal mining in Limburg (Netherlands), Limburg, a province of the Netherlands, has taken place since the 16th century.
Near the Augustinians, Augustinian Abbey of Rolduc, coal was found very close to the surface. The abbey owned the coal, and begi ...
* 2009 ''Orchestral Variations'' for large orchestra
* 2009 ''Frozen Echo'' for large orchestra, a ballet version of ''Schaduw (Shadow)'' arranged by the composer for choreographer Regina van Berkel for her ballet of the same name
* 2009 ''Tractus'' for
cimbalom
The cimbalom (; ) or concert cimbalom is a type of chordophone composed of a large, trapezoidal box on legs with metal strings stretched across its top and a damping pedal underneath. It was designed and created by V. Josef Schunda in 1874 in ...
,
harmonium
The pump organ is a type of free-reed organ that generates sound as air flows past a vibrating piece of thin metal in a frame. The piece of metal is called a reed. Specific types of pump organ include the reed organ, harmonium, and melodeon. T ...
and strings
* 2008 ''Inquietus'' for large orchestra
* 2008 ''No Comment'' ringtone for orchestra
* 2008 ''Invitation to a Beheading'' for orchestra inspired by the book,
Invitation to a Beheading
''Invitation to a Beheading'' (russian: Приглашение на казнь, lit=''Invitation to an execution'') is a novel by Russian American author Vladimir Nabokov. It was originally published in Russian from 1935 to 1936 as a serial in ' ...
by
Vladimir Nabokov
Vladimir Vladimirovich Nabokov (russian: link=no, Владимир Владимирович Набоков ; 2 July 1977), also known by the pen name Vladimir Sirin (), was a Russian-American novelist, poet, translator, and entomologist. Bo ...
* 2007 ''
Man Ray
Man Ray (born Emmanuel Radnitzky; August 27, 1890 – November 18, 1976) was an American visual artist who spent most of his career in Paris. He was a significant contributor to the Dada and Surrealism, Surrealist movements, although his t ...
, le Retour à la Raison'' for ensemble
* 2005 ''Fractal variations'' for string orchestra
* 2004 ''Fractal symphony'' for orchestra
* 2002 ''Schaduw (Shadow)'' for
string quartet
The term string quartet can refer to either a type of musical composition or a group of four people who play them. Many composers from the mid-18th century onwards wrote string quartets. The associated musical ensemble consists of two violinists ...
, string orchestra and percussion instruments
* 2000 ''Ouverture'' (Suite) in G in the style of
Johann Sebastian Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach (28 July 1750) was a German composer and musician of the late Baroque period. He is known for his orchestral music such as the '' Brandenburg Concertos''; instrumental compositions such as the Cello Suites; keyboard w ...
, after BWV 1066, for large ensemble. Written in honor of the 250th anniversary of Bach's death. From the collection entitled ''Orchesterübung - Bearbeitungen und stilkopien nach J.S. Bach'' (Orchestral exercise - arrangements and style copies after J.S. Bach)
* 2000 ''Ouverture'' (Suite) in D in the style of
Johann Sebastian Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach (28 July 1750) was a German composer and musician of the late Baroque period. He is known for his orchestral music such as the '' Brandenburg Concertos''; instrumental compositions such as the Cello Suites; keyboard w ...
, after BWV 1068, for large ensemble. Written in honor of the 250th anniversary of Bach's death. From the collection entitled ''Orchesterübung - Bearbeitungen und stilkopien nach J.S. Bach'' (Orchestral exercise - arrangements and style copies after J.S. Bach)
* 1997 ''Alliage'' for large orchestra
* 1996 ''Conciso'' for orchestra
* 1992 ''Produkt'' for chamber ensemble
* 1991, rev. 1994 ''Triade'' for orchestra
* 1989 ''De Simorq '' for chamber orchestra
* 1988, rev. 1990 ''Expulsie'' (parts I/IV), for large ensemble
* 1986 ''Tegenbeweging (Contrary Motion)'' for orchestra
* 1985, rev. 1989 ''Aura'' for large ensemble
* 1985 ''Random symphonies''
electronic music
Electronic music is a genre of music that employs electronic musical instruments, digital instruments, or circuitry-based music technology in its creation. It includes both music made using electronic and electromechanical means ( electroac ...
* 1976 ''Caprice symphonique'' for orchestra
Vocal
* 2015 '' Traurig wie der Tod'' for choir and orchestra based on poems by
Hans Bethge (poet)
* 2012 ''Der Garten des Paracelsus'' (In the Garden of Paracelsus) for soprano and string quartet, text by
Peter Huchel
Peter Huchel (April 3, 1903 – April 30, 1981), born Hellmut Huchel, was a German poet and editor.
Life
Huchel was born in Lichterfelde (now part of Berlin). From 1923 to 1926, Huchel studied literature and philosophy in Berlin, Freiburg and ...
, commissioned by the
Brodsky Quartet
* 2007-2012 ''Twee Gedichten van Bloem (Two poems of Bloem)'' for mixed choir, a cappella (1-Na de Bevrijding; 2-Geluk) based on poems by Dutch poet Jakobus Cornelis (Jacques) Bloem and commissioned by The National Committee for 4 and 5 May
* 2007 ''Twee Gedichten van Bloem (Two poems of Bloem)'' for 4 part female choir, a cappella (1-Na de Bevrijding; 2-Geluk) based on poems by Dutch poet Jakobus Cornelis (Jacques) Bloem and commissioned by The National Committee for 4 and 5 May
* 1998 ''Sechs Rilke-Lieder'' for baritone and piano, based on poems by
Rainer Maria Rilke
René Karl Wilhelm Johann Josef Maria Rilke (4 December 1875 – 29 December 1926), shortened to Rainer Maria Rilke (), was an Austrian poet and novelist. He has been acclaimed as an idiosyncratic and expressive poet, and is widely recogni ...
* 1998 ''Sechs Rilke-Lieder'' for baritone and orchestra, based on poems by
Rainer Maria Rilke
René Karl Wilhelm Johann Josef Maria Rilke (4 December 1875 – 29 December 1926), shortened to Rainer Maria Rilke (), was an Austrian poet and novelist. He has been acclaimed as an idiosyncratic and expressive poet, and is widely recogni ...
* 1992 ''Whitman'' for soprano and orchestra, based on poems by
Walt Whitman
Walter Whitman (; May 31, 1819 – March 26, 1892) was an American poet, essayist and journalist. A humanist, he was a part of the transition between transcendentalism and realism, incorporating both views in his works. Whitman is among t ...
Concerto
* 2007 ''LIED'' for trombone and orchestra, commissioned by the
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra ( nl, Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest, ) is a Dutch symphony orchestra, based at the Amsterdam Royal Concertgebouw (concert hall). Considered one of the world's leading orchestras, Queen Beatrix conferred the "R ...
with
Jörgen van Rijen as soloist
* 2006 ''Piano Concerto'' for piano and orchestra
* 2005 ''Clarinet Concerto'' for clarinet and orchestra
* 1995 ''Notturno'' for oboe, 2 horns and strings
* 1995 ''Pavane oubliée'' for harp and strings
Solo and Chamber
* 2016 ''Ballade'' for trombone and piano
* 2013 ''4 preludes to Infinity'' for oboe, violin, viola and cello
* 2013 ''La Malinconia II'' for harp solo
* 2011 ''La Malinconia I'' for piano solo
* 2010 ''Bandersnatch'' for cello and
pianola inspired by a character in
Lewis Carroll
Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (; 27 January 1832 – 14 January 1898), better known by his pen name Lewis Carroll, was an English author, poet and mathematician. His most notable works are ''Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'' (1865) and its sequel ...
's poem,
Jabberwocky
"Jabberwocky" is a nonsense poem written by Lewis Carroll about the killing of a creature named "the Jabberwock". It was included in his 1871 novel ''Through the Looking-Glass'', the sequel to ''Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'' (1865). The bo ...
* 2008 ''Graduale'' piano and electronics
* 2006 ''5 Pieces for
violoncello
The cello ( ; plural ''celli'' or ''cellos'') or violoncello ( ; ) is a bowed (sometimes plucked and occasionally hit) string instrument of the violin family. Its four strings are usually tuned in perfect fifths: from low to high, C2, G2, D ...
solo''
* 2006 ''Cadenza'' for
Trumpet Concerto (Arutiunian), commissioned by Peter Masseurs, former principal trumpet player of the
Concertgebouworkest
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra ( nl, Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest, ) is a Dutch symphony orchestra, based at the Amsterdam Royal Concertgebouw (concert hall). Considered one of the world's leading orchestras, Queen Beatrix conferred the " ...
.
* 2004 ''Perplex'' for 6 instruments
* 2001, rev. 2004 ''Spring Rain'' for string quartet
* 1999 ''Trio'' for violin, cello and piano
* 1999 ''Sospeso'' for percussion ensemble
* 1998 ''Fandango'' for recorder quartet
* 1998 ''Sestetto'' for flute, harp and string quartet
* 1995 ''Hommage II'' for viola
* 1993 ''Hammage'' for flute
* 1992 Duet for two trumpets
* 1991, rev. 1994 ''Passamezzo'' for saxophone quartet
* 1990 ''De Peryton'' for 7 wind instruments inspired by
Jorge Luis Borges
Jorge Francisco Isidoro Luis Borges Acevedo (; ; 24 August 1899 – 14 June 1986) was an Argentine short-story writer, essayist, poet and translator, as well as a key figure in Spanish-language and international literature. His best-known bo ...
the
Peryton
* 1988, rev. 1997 ''Chaconne'', for string trio
* 1987 ''Inversie'', for 10 instruments
* 1987 ''Contractie'' for flute, bass clarinet and piano
* 1982 ''Triplum'' for 12 wind instruments
* 1980 ''Nocturne'', for piano
* 1976 ''Sonatine'' for bassoon and bass
Instrumentation
* 2018 ''Zwei letzte Lieder (1-Beim schlafengehen; 2-Im Abendrot)'' by
Richard Strauss
Richard Georg Strauss (; 11 June 1864 – 8 September 1949) was a German composer, conductor, pianist, and violinist. Considered a leading composer of the late Romantic and early modern eras, he has been described as a successor of Richard Wag ...
for
countertenor
A countertenor (also contra tenor) is a type of classical male singing voice whose vocal range is equivalent to that of the female contralto or mezzo-soprano voice types, generally extending from around G3 to D5 or E5, although a sopranist (a s ...
and orchestra.
* 2017 ''Spring Waters'' op. 14 no. 1 by
Sergei Rachmaninoff
Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff; in Russian pre-revolutionary script. (28 March 1943) was a Russian composer, virtuoso pianist, and conductor. Rachmaninoff is widely considered one of the finest pianists of his day and, as a composer, one o ...
for voice and orchestra. Commissioned by the
Concertgebouworkest
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra ( nl, Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest, ) is a Dutch symphony orchestra, based at the Amsterdam Royal Concertgebouw (concert hall). Considered one of the world's leading orchestras, Queen Beatrix conferred the " ...
, premiered by
Eva-Maria Westbroek
Eva-Maria Westbroek (born 26 April 1970) is a Dutch soprano opera singer.
Training
Westbroek studied at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague from 1988 to 1995. Her vocal teachers included Iris Adami Corradetti and the American tenor James McCr ...
, soprano and
Mariss Jansons
Mariss Ivars Georgs Jansons (14 January 1943 – 1 December 2019) was a Latvian conductor best known for his interpretations of Mahler, Strauss and Russian composers such as Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich. During his lifetime he w ...
, conductor.
* 2013 ''Drie Choralvorspiele (Chorale Preludes)'' by
Johann Sebastian Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach (28 July 1750) was a German composer and musician of the late Baroque period. He is known for his orchestral music such as the '' Brandenburg Concertos''; instrumental compositions such as the Cello Suites; keyboard w ...
for oboe, violin, viola and cello.
* 2011 ''Piano Preludes op. 33'' by
Alexander Scriabin
Alexander Nikolayevich Scriabin (; russian: Александр Николаевич Скрябин ; – ) was a Russian composer and virtuoso pianist. Before 1903, Scriabin was greatly influenced by the music of Frédéric Chopin and composed ...
for oboe, violin, viola and cello
* 2007 ''Sonata 1.x.1905'' by
Leoš Janáček
Leoš Janáček (, baptised Leo Eugen Janáček; 3 July 1854 – 12 August 1928) was a Czech composer, musical theorist, folklorist, publicist, and teacher. He was inspired by Moravian and other Slavic musics, including Eastern European fol ...
* 2007 ''
Les Noces
''Les Noces'' (French for The Wedding; russian: Свадебка, ''Svadebka'') is a ballet and orchestral concert work composed by Igor Stravinsky for percussion, pianists, chorus, and vocal soloists. The composer gave it the descriptive title " ...
'' by
Igor Stravinsky
Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky (6 April 1971) was a Russian composer, pianist and conductor, later of French (from 1934) and American (from 1945) citizenship. He is widely considered one of the most important and influential composers of the ...
''(1919 Version; Verbey completion)'' for solo voices, choir,
pianola, harmonium, percussion
* 2006 ''Drei Stücke (No. 1,5,6)'' from
Lyric Suite by
Alban Berg
Alban Maria Johannes Berg ( , ; 9 February 1885 – 24 December 1935) was an Austrian composer of the Second Viennese School. His compositional style combined Romantic lyricism with the twelve-tone technique. Although he left a relatively sma ...
for string orchestra
* 2005 ''
Cantiones sacrae (Gesualdo)'' Completion of the missing bassus and sextus (sixth part)
* 2004 ''Une Larme'' by
Modest Mussorgsky
Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky ( rus, link=no, Модест Петрович Мусоргский, Modest Petrovich Musorgsky , mɐˈdɛst pʲɪˈtrovʲɪtɕ ˈmusərkskʲɪj, Ru-Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky version.ogg; – ) was a Russian compo ...
for string orchestra
* 2000 ''
Italian Concerto, BWV 971
The ''Italian Concerto'', BWV 971, originally titled ''Concerto nach Italiænischen Gusto'' (''Concerto in the Italian taste''), is a three-movement concerto for two-manual harpsichord solo composed by Johann Sebastian Bach and published in 173 ...
'' by
Johann Sebastian Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach (28 July 1750) was a German composer and musician of the late Baroque period. He is known for his orchestral music such as the '' Brandenburg Concertos''; instrumental compositions such as the Cello Suites; keyboard w ...
for solo violin, strings and continuo, in honor of the 250th anniversary of Bach's death; from the collection of pieces, ''Orchesterübung - Bearbeitungen und stilkopien nach J.S. Bach'' (Orchestral exercise - arrangements and style copies after J.S. Bach).
* 1994 '' Bez solnca '' (''Without Sun'') by
Modest Mussorgsky
Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky ( rus, link=no, Модест Петрович Мусоргский, Modest Petrovich Musorgsky , mɐˈdɛst pʲɪˈtrovʲɪtɕ ˈmusərkskʲɪj, Ru-Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky version.ogg; – ) was a Russian compo ...
, for voice and orchestra, based on texts by A.A. Golenishchev-Kutusov
* 1994 ''The Nursery'' by
Modest Mussorgsky
Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky ( rus, link=no, Модест Петрович Мусоргский, Modest Petrovich Musorgsky , mɐˈdɛst pʲɪˈtrovʲɪtɕ ˈmusərkskʲɪj, Ru-Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky version.ogg; – ) was a Russian compo ...
, for voice and orchestra
* 1994 ''
Songs and Dances of Death
''Songs and Dances of Death'' (russian: Песни и пляски смерти, ''Pesni i plyaski smerti'') is a song cycle for voice (usually bass or bass-baritone) and piano by Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky, written in the mid-1870s, to poems b ...
'' by
Modest Mussorgsky
Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky ( rus, link=no, Модест Петрович Мусоргский, Modest Petrovich Musorgsky , mɐˈdɛst pʲɪˈtrovʲɪtɕ ˈmusərkskʲɪj, Ru-Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky version.ogg; – ) was a Russian compo ...
, for bass and chamber orchestra, based on texts by A.A. Golenishchev-Kutusov
* 1990 ''
Trois Chansons (Ravel)'' for large ensemble
* 1990 ''Andante from Piano Sonata in A major no. 13'' by
Schubert
Franz Peter Schubert (; 31 January 179719 November 1828) was an Austrian composer of the late Classical and early Romantic eras. Despite his short lifetime, Schubert left behind a vast ''oeuvre'', including more than 600 secular vocal wor ...
for large orchestra
* 1990-2000 ''Ouverture in the French Style, BWV 831'' by
Johann Sebastian Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach (28 July 1750) was a German composer and musician of the late Baroque period. He is known for his orchestral music such as the '' Brandenburg Concertos''; instrumental compositions such as the Cello Suites; keyboard w ...
for transverse flute, strings and continuo, in honor of the 250th anniversary of Bach's death; from the collection of pieces, ''Orchesterübung - Bearbeitungen und stilkopien nach J.S. Bach'' (Orchestral exercise - arrangements and style copies after J.S. Bach).
* 1984 ''Sonata opus 1''
Piano Sonata (Berg) Alban Berg's Piano Sonata (german: Klaviersonate), Op. 1, was published in 1910, but the exact date of composition is unknown; sources suggest that it was written in 1909. The Sonata is Berg's only piano work to which he gave an opus number.
Histor ...
by
Alban Berg
Alban Maria Johannes Berg ( , ; 9 February 1885 – 24 December 1935) was an Austrian composer of the Second Viennese School. His compositional style combined Romantic lyricism with the twelve-tone technique. Although he left a relatively sma ...
* 1983 ''Sonata opus 101'' by
Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven (baptised 17 December 177026 March 1827) was a German composer and pianist. Beethoven remains one of the most admired composers in the history of Western music; his works rank amongst the most performed of the classical ...
for string quartet
* 1983 ''Sonata for two pianos'' by
Igor Stravinsky
Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky (6 April 1971) was a Russian composer, pianist and conductor, later of French (from 1934) and American (from 1945) citizenship. He is widely considered one of the most important and influential composers of the ...
for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, violin and cello
References
External links
Theo Verbey's web siteTheo Verbey's publisher, Deuss MusicTheo Verbey at the Music Centre Netherlands
Webshop DonemusScore Les Noces Verbey completionSonata''Score Janácek 1.X.1905 for orchestra, arr. Theo VerbeyScore Lyric Suite for string orchestra Nr. 1,5 & 6, arr. Theo VerbeyTheo Verbey: On composingTheo Verbey: ''Traurig wie der Tod'' for choir and orchestra
{{DEFAULTSORT:Verbey, Theo
1959 births
2019 deaths
Dutch male classical composers
Dutch classical composers
20th-century classical composers
21st-century classical composers
Academic staff of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam
People from Delft
Royal Conservatory of The Hague alumni
20th-century Dutch male musicians
21st-century male musicians