Composer Daan Manneke: I have a very high hat on Patrick

Perform a composition with your own name in the title. Few musicians have that privilege. Conductor Patrick van der Linden does. During his jubilee concert, October 19 in the Sint-Janskerk in Gouda, he will perform 'Vocalise pour Patrick'. Daan Manneke (79) wrote the work – and likes to talk about his relationship with Patrick.

Since when do you know Patrick?

'For a very long time. I once wrote another piece for Ars Musica, about five years ago. Then we spoke at length. I was already on his trail before that. I have a very high hat of Patrick on. He is a nice colleague. And a versatile musician: at home in both instrumental and vocal music. Very thorough in his programming. I have great respect for his stamina, vision and craftsmanship. Of course I don't see him every day, but I think he is nice to work with.'

How would you characterize Patrick as a conductor?

'He has a refined, instrumental way of conducting. The way he conducts an orchestra, sharp and rhythmic, is also used in his choirs. In this way he acquires something instrumental in his choirs, a certain sharpness and directness. I hear that again.'

Which pieces of your hand will be performed during the anniversary concert?

'Vocalise pour Patrick' and the piece 'Geistliche Dämmerung'. 'Vocalise pour Patrick' is an eight-part vocal piece that I initially wrote for Maria van Nieukerken (conductor of Toonkunst Rotterdam, MR, among others). However, I didn't want to limit the piece to one person, but make it available to others who feel addressed. Patrick is the first to reuse the vocalise in this way. The notes that used to read 'Maria' now read 'Patrick'. Think of it as a tribute to Patrick, a praise trumpet. Since the piece only lasts one minute, I advised Patrick to include it twice in the program. For example, sometimes vocally, other times with an ensemble.'

Can you tell us more about 'Geistliche Dämmerung?

'That is a work for a cappella choir, eight to ten voices, on a poem by Georg Trakl. It is a beautiful text about the end of the afternoon, just before the evening. I always look forward to that time of day. Then I stop working, sit down, and look at the garden and the world. The music of 'Geistliche Dämmerung' is a metaphor for a change in life. Real autumn music.'

Does such a piece suit a festive anniversary?

'I think so. An anniversary is not successful if only hallelujah sounds. I have dedicated the composition to Piet Kee, the musician who died last year. The premiere will be on 5 October by the Groot Omroepkoor, conducted by Klaas Stok.'

Are you attending Patrick's anniversary concert yourself?

“It's on my calendar, but I'll see where I can go around that time. Because of my eightieth birthday in the autumn there are fifty concerts, so it is a busy time. The mind will, but the body less so. Patrick's jubilee concert is in any case highly regarded.'

Mirjam Roukema, soprano with concert choir, spoke with Daan Manneke.

Is the anniversary concert also high on your list? Make sure you're there and reserve your tickets here!

Daan Manneke (1939) studied organ and composition at the conservatories of Tilburg, Brussels and Amsterdam. He taught composition and analysis of contemporary music at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam for many years. At this institute he was the initiator of setting up a composition class for young talent. In addition, he was founder and conductor of the famous chamber choir Cappella Breda for over forty years.

Daan Manneke's oeuvre consists of approximately three hundred compositions, the majority of which were commissioned and published by Donemus Publishing. His work is characterized by vocality and spaciousness. The composer Ton de Leeuw, Manneke's teacher, described his work as follows: […] sensual, almost tangible timbres and plastic gestures; as if the composer is writing for an imaginary theatre. […]

Daan Manneke has received many prizes and is regarded as one of the most important and performed composers in the Netherlands. A large part of his work is documented on CD and several (scientific) articles have been devoted to his oeuvre.

He lives in Breda and in 2014 he was awarded the honorary title of Honorary Kapellmeister of the Grote- or Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe-Kerk of Breda. His portrait in bronze, made by the sculptor Pauline Eecen, is displayed in the High Choir of this church.

In 2000 he received the Royal Award of Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion for his great involvement in various fields of Dutch musical life. In connection with his many years of involvement with French culture, he was awarded the Diplôme de Médaille d'Argent in 2018 by the Société Académique Arts-Sciences-Lettres.