Review – De Volkskrant

Here is the English translation of the text, written by Maartje Stokkers.

When singer Guus Meeuwis performs in packed stadiums, everyone bellows along to Brabant and ’t Dondert en ’t Bliksemt (It Thunders and Lightens). These songs bear the musical signature of Jan-Willem Rozenboom, who has collaborated with Guus Meeuwis as a pianist and composer for years.

Less known is that Rozenboom graduated cum laude from the Brabants Conservatorium and continued his studies with Rian de Waal at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague. Rozenboom has previously released classical albums. His latest contains Bach arrangements for piano. Rozenboom’s arrangements and playing are marked by a combination of sobriety (level-headedness) and his deep respect for Bach.

He plays the unearthly, bottomless Aus Liebe from the St Matthew Passion lovingly and vulnerably. In the organ chorale prelude Ich ruf’ zu dir (a bit more bass wouldn’t have hurt), devout meekness undulates. The majesty of the Chaconne remains fully intact. And Brabant proves itself well-suited for a clever, three-part fugue.