Jan Rot, composer, lyricist, and singer, passed away in April 2022 at the age of 64, leaving behind a legacy of music that spans genres and emotions. A gifted all-round artist with a great love for music, Jan Rot is also widely known for his remarkable translations, including works such as Schubert and Mahler lieder, Bach's Matthäuspassion, and Brahms' Ein deutsches Requiem.

Every year around All Saints’ Day, a new Bosch Requiem is performed at November Music, composed by a Dutch composer. This year, Aart Strootman has composed an intense requiem based on the text by Jan Rot. Just before his death, Rot wrote a poignant libretto, titled Laatste Woorden ("Last Words"), addressing the world for one final time. When Jan Rot sent the libretto to Aart Strootman, he described his text as “the voice of someone leaving behind a final message.”

Aart Strootman composed a comforting requiem for eight cellos, four percussionists, two singers, and two (bass) guitars, inspired by the elusive rhythm of church bells and the structure of Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem. Known for his ability to blend multiple genres, from pop and minimalism to contemporary classical and avant-garde jazz, Aart Strootman is a regular presence at November Music, having won prestigious awards such as the Gaudeamus Music Prize and the Matthijs Vermeulen Prize.

This production was made possible with support from the Gemeente ’s-Hertogenbosch, Provincie Noord-Brabant, Fonds voor de Podiumkunsten, and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.

Performers:

• Aart Strootman – composer, guitar
• 8 cellos
• 4 percussionists
• 2 singers
• 2 (bass) guitars