Inhabitants from Rotterdam have had to wait a long time for a good metro connection to ‘their’ beach. Now it is possible to board at Coolhaven station and pass the gates of the brand-new Hook of Holland Beach station thirty minutes later. Only a few metres then separate you from the summery sandy beach and […]
Reviews
Intense introverted ecstasy
Without announcement, the revamped Tord Gustavsen trio enters the stage of Rotterdam’s packed LantarenVenster theatre. Gustavsen bends deep over the keys of the grand piano and begins a hushed arrangement of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Jesus Meine Freude. Drummer Jarle Vespestad and bassist Steinar Ragnes drop in simultaneously. The new bassist who has experience in rock […]
Arvo Pärt’s rich oeuvre
For those who want to immerse themselves in the work of Arvo Pärt (1935) but don’t know where to start, Brilliant Classics collected his most beautiful music in a reasonably priced box. The nine albums contain a generous selection from the rich oeuvre of the Estonian-born composer, ranging from solo piano pieces to impressive choral […]
Hania Rani and Dobrawa Czocher offer hope and comfort
With their debut album as a composer duo, Hania Rani (1990) and Dobrawa Czocher (1991) try to offer some hope and comfort in these dark days. The fact that they were contracted by Deutsche Grammophon must have been a giant boost for these two Polish musicians. Pianist Hania Rani and cellist Dobrowa Czocher started this […]
The White Tiger drilled into perpetual servitude
Balram Halwai is not a sympathetic protagonist. Yet the narrative voice of The White Tiger is so powerful that you continue to read with fascination. Aravind Adiga’s debut novel won the Man Booker Prize in 2008. Thanks to a recent film adaptation, the book is now once again in the spotlight. Author Adiga has Indian […]
Amusing and entertaining science fiction novel
If you thought that science fiction stories can’t be funny it is high time you dive into the world of CD Warhurst. His latest novel The Planet Baggers is one of the most amusing and entertaining books I have ever read. The Planet Baggers has the most improbable antihero as its protagonist: Colin, a single […]