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 J M Suijkerbuijk

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“What makes life bearable despite existential awareness is the knowledge that we have the power to imagine life without the regrets we already have and will yet gain. Music is one of the best instruments available to help us generate that power. Yes, to even obliviate the inherent shackles of our ‘thrownness’ for a blissful moment” — J.M. Suijkerbuijk


Biographical Notes

(*November 29, 1959, Munstergeleen, NL)

J.M. Suijkerbuijk taught himself to read and write music at the age of eleven. He studied musicology at the university of Utrecht with Marius Flothuis, Jos Kunst and Kees Vellekoop, amongst others, graduating with a thesis on the relationship between Alban Bergs violin concerto and Ferruccio Busonis Berceuse Elégiaque.

As a student, J.M. Suijkerbuijk developed his own compositorial language in which the pitch material is taken from a modal system based on overtones, which renders a form of tonal centre-based music that appears both alien and familiar.

This modal system was applied for the first time in a short piece for piano, later published as part three, Skaz, of Vier Noveletten, opus 88. The opus 63, Perigæum, for large wind ensemble, was the first larger scale composition in this new technique to be performed before an audience. The world premiere was given on December 11, 1981 by the Utrecht Wind Ensemble, Leo Samama conducting.

Since Perigæum he mainly wrote highly polyphonic orchestral works, among which seven symphonies, nine concert overtures and two symphoniettas, though smaller ensembles and chamber music gained more attention in later years. His musical language focusses heavily on the melodic aspect, whilst obfuscating rhythm and meter.
Most of his early works have gone lost.

photo of J.M. Suijkerbuijk [2009]

Due to health problems there is a compositorial gap between 1996 and 2009, in which only the opus 97, ‘Anticipation’ was completed (in 2001).
A trained pianist and a self-taught violinist, violist and guitarist, he is no longer performing publicly since 1996.

J.M. Suijkerbuijk is associated with the Stichting Limburgse Componisten (Foundation for Limburgian Composers).

He declines all prizes and awards on principle.

The name «Suijkerbuijk» is also written as «Suykerbuyk».

List of Compositions

Below is a comprehensive list of works by J.M. Suijkerbuijk. Subtitles (where applicable), instrumentation, year of completion and annotations (where applicable) are given for each title.

Click the button of your choice to filter the list accordingly.


  • Groteske opus 142

    for orchestra
    2fl 2ob 2clar 2bsn 3hrn 2trp 3trb timp pf str [2019]
    Published by JMS

  • Ein unbedeutsames Lied opus 140

    for violoncello-solo and small orchestra
    2fl ob 2clar bsn vibr pf str [2019]
    Published by JMS

  • Nachtmusik I opus 139

    for small orchestra
    2fl 2ob 3clar bsn hrn str [2019]
    Published by JMS

  • Une Naïade batifole opus 138

    a bucolic tableau for orchestra
    3fl 3ob 3clar 3bsn 4hrn timp trgl cel 2harp str [2018]
    Published by JMS

  • Die Beiden opus 136

    after the poem by Hugo von Hofmannsthal
    2fl 3ob 2clar 2bsn 2hrn harp str [2019]
    Published by JMS

  • Briefe an R. opus 135

    five sketches for violin and piano
    vl pf [2019]

    1. Leicht bewegte Achtel
    2. Sehr ruhige Viertel
    3. Mäßig bewegt
    4. Sehr frei
    5. Mit verhaltenem Ausdruck

    N.B. There are three alternative versions of the last part provided of which only one is to be executed as suitable with the interpretation of the composition.
    Published by JMS

  • Dämmerung opus 134

    for violin solo and large orchestra after the eponymous poem by Else Lasker-Schüler
    3fl 3ob 4clar 2bsn 4hrn 3trp 2trb b-tb timp 2harp vl-solo str [2019]

  • Minnesang opus 133

    camaïeu №.6 for violoncello solo and small orchestra
    2fl 2ob 2clar 2bsn 2hrn 2trb timp vlc-solo str [2017]
    Published by JMS

  • Hälfte des Lebens opus 132

    concert overture №.9 for large orchestra after Friedrich Hölderlin
    3fl 3ob 3clar 3bsn 4hrn 3trp 3trb timp vibr perc harp str [2019]
    Published by JMS

  • Du schlank und rein wie eine flamme opus 131

    camaïeu №.8 for violin solo and orchestra on the eponymous poem by Stefan George
    2fl 3ob 3clar 2bsn 4hrn 2trp 3trb timp glcksp tub-b vibr cel harp vl-solo str [2019]
    Published by JMS

  • Zum Einschlafen zu sagen opus 130

    camaïeu №.5 on the eponymous poem by Rainer Maria Rilke
    2fl 2ob 2clar 3bsn 4hrn trp timp perc cel harp str [2016]
    Published by JMS

  • Widmung opus 129

    camaïeu №.7 for chamber orchestra
    fl ob clar bsn hrn str [2018]
    Published by JMS

  • Albumblätter opus 128

    for violin and piano
    vl pf [2019]

    1. Anlass
    2. In jenem Sommer
    3. Das Nachhinein

    Published by JMS

  • Drei Rilke-Lieder opus 127

    three songs on texts by Rainer Maria Rilke for mezzo-soprano and piano
    mezzo (voice) pf [2014]

    1. Alle, welche dich suchen
    2. Du, der ich's nicht sage
    3. Ach, nicht getrennt sein

    Published by JMS

  • Serenata opus 126

    five musics for clarinet quartet
    4clar [2018]

    1. Introduttivo - Con eleganza; attacca
    2. Notturnino - Melancolico
    3. Intermezzo - Espressivo; attacca
    4. Scherzetto - Brioso
    5. Finale - Dolcemente mosso. Frettolosamente

    Published by JMS

  • Traînées de Nuages dans un Ciel étoilé opus 125

    four musical moments for violin and piano
    vl pf [2013]

    1. Molto tranquillo
    2. Tenebroso
    3. A dondolo
    4. Calmo, cullando

    Published by JMS

  • L’Indimenticabile opus 124

    a declaration of love for orchestra
    3fl 3ob 3clar 3bsn 4hrn 3trp 3trb b-tb timp vibr perc cel harp pf str [2016]
    Published by JMS

  • Quis sustinebit opus 123

    considerations on the 130th psalm
    organ [2017]
    Commissioned by Stichting Orgelkring Kerkrade and Stichting Limburgse Componisten
    Published by JMS

  • Idyll einer Kindheit opus 121

    camaïeu №.9 for chamber orchestra
    fl ob clar bsn hrn harp str [2019]
    Published by JMS

  • Night comes with soft and drowsy plumes opus 120

    for orchestra
    2fl 2ob 3clar 2bsn 4hrn 3trp 3trb timp vibr cel harp str [2019]
    Published by JMS

  • Notte d’Inverno opus 119

    a simple landscape for small orchestra
    fl 2ob 2clar 2bsn 2hrn trb str [2013]
    Published by JMS

  • Sfogliando una Margherita opus 118

    a small serenade for thirteen instruments
    2fl 2ob 2clar bsn pf harp 2vl vla vlc [2012]
    Published by JMS

  • Nel Giardino ombreggiato opus 117

    a tableau for violin and piano
    vl pf [2015]
    Published by JMS

  • Naenia opus 116

    a lament for orchestra
    2fl 3ob 3clar 2bsn 2hrn 2trp timp perc glcksp harp str [2010]
    Published by JMS

  • Je te vois, Rose opus 115

    poem for small orchestra after R.M. Rilke
    2fl 2ob 3clar bsn 2hrn harp str [2013]
    Published by JMS

  • Danza dei Pensieri fugaci opus 114

    3fl 2ob 3clar 2bsn 4hrn 3trb timp perc cel harp str [2011]
    Published by JMS

  • Die Stille opus 113

    symphonic poem after R.M. Rilke
    3fl 3ob 4clar 3bsn 4hrn 3trp 3trb b-tb timp perc cel harp str [2013]
    Published by JMS

  • Scène de Ballet opus 112

    a tableau for orchestra
    2fl 3ob 3clar 2bsn 2hrn 2trp timp perc pf harp str [2011]
    Published by JMS

  • L’Aube sur le Jardin des Fantasmes opus 111

    symphonic poem for violin solo and orchestra
    4fl 3ob 4clar 3bsn 4hrn 3trp 3trb b-tb timp perc cel harp vl-solo str [2012]
    Published by JMS

  • Plainte opus 110

    an epilog for chamber orchestra
    2fl 2ob 2clar 2bsn 2hrn str [2017]
    Published by JMS

  • ninna nanna per i non nati opus 109

    a nenia for soprano and violin-solo
    soprano (voice) vl-solo [2010]
    Text by the composer based on traditional Italian lullabies.
    Published in the Petrucci Music Library

  • I Loved Thee opus 107

    poem for small orchestra after A.S. Pushkin
    2fl 2ob 2clar 2bsn 2hrn timp tamt harp str [2011]
    Published by JMS

  • Mélodie langoureuse opus 106

    fl org [2012]
    Published by JMS

  • Ubi sunt opus 105

    fl vibr 2vl vla vlc [2010]
    N.B. “Ubi sunt” is part of “Klinkend Changement”, a collaborative project initiated and commissioned by Stichting Limburgse Componisten.
    Published by Donemus/MCN

  • Symphony №. 6 ‘Ad augusta per angusta’ opus 104

    2fl 2ob 2clar 2bsn 4hrn 2trp 3trb timp perc harp 2vl-solo str [2011]

    1. Lacrimosa
    2. Sursum Corda

    Published by JMS

  • La Donna nello Specchio opus 103

    a tableau for piano quartet
    vl vla vlc pf [2011]
    Published in the Petrucci Music Library

  • Frames from a Childhood opus 102

    eight bagatelles for piano
    pf [2009]

    1. Rain on a Doll House Window
    2. Hopscotch along the Way
    3. Lulling a sorry Doll
    4. Romping on the Lawn
    5. Pareidolia
    6. Anger and Anxiety over a lost Marble
    7. Flying with the Butterflies
    8. When the Storybook closes

    Published in the Petrucci Music Library

  • Scene da una Barriera Corallina opus 101

    an impromptu on colours, lights and motions for piano
    pf [2009]
    Published in the Petrucci Music Library

  • A Garland of Dandelions opus 100

    a tableau for wind decet
    2fl 2ob 2clar 2bsn 2hrn [2011]
    Published in the Petrucci Music Library

  • Ulalume opus 99

    a ballad for piano after Edgar Allen Poe
    pf [2009]
    Published in the Petrucci Music Library

  • Symphony №. 5 ‘Geschichte aus Dodona’ opus 98

    2fl 2ob 2clar 2bsn 4hrn 3trp 3trb timp harp pf vl-solo vla-solo vlc-solo str [2010]

    1. Grave
    2. Poco mosso
    3. Oscuro

    Based on motives and fragments from the opera “Geschichte aus Dodona”. The composer has been writing on the opera between 1986 and 1991, but left it unfinished. Although most of the music other than the fragments used in this symphony has gone lost, the libretto [in German, by the composer after Gaius Valerius Catullus] has been preserved.

  • Anticipation opus 97

    a tableau for 17 players
    fl clar timp xyl mar vibr cel hrp pf 4vl 2vla 2vlc cb [2001]
    Published in the Petrucci Music Library

  • Vesnyanka II opus 96

    for string quartet
    2vl vla vlc [...]
    N.B. It is not known where the score of the first “Vesnyanka” for string quartet can be found. Further details are unknown and/or unconfirmed.

  • Ten Miniatures opus 95

    reminiscences and reflections for piano
    pf [2009]

    1. Moderato
    2. Semplice a sianato, molto calma
    3. Grazioso
    4. Appassionato Tempo di 'Valzer'
    5. Delicato e un poco triste
    6. Allegretto scherzando
    7. Lento e caldo
    8. Dolce ed amoroso, molto rubato
    9. Drammatico
    10. Affettuoso e prudente

    Published in the Petrucci Music Library

  • Duma - Chto mne delat’ opus 94

    asax org [1992]
    N.B. Some sources list a Concerto for Oboe and small Orchestra as opus 94. A copy of the score of this concerto has last been seen in the possession of oboist Myron Zakopets, Lviv, Ukraine. Further details are unknown and/or unconfirmed.
    Published by JMS

  • Vesnyanka III opus 93

    for clarinet sextet or ensemble
    6clar [1996]
    Published by Molenaar Edition BV

  • Songs and Dances opus 92

    six short airs and dance songs for the classroom
    fl ob clar bsn [1995]

    1. Deciso
    2. Allegro moderato
    3. Comodo
    4. Calmo
    5. Lento
    6. Allegretto

    N.B. There are also arrangements by the composer for clarinet quartet and saxophone quartet, all published by Tierolff muziekcentrale.
    Published by Tierolff muziekcentrale

  • Allegro Deciso opus 91

    asax org [1992]

  • Toccata-Etude opus 90

    pf [1991]
    Revised 2009
    Published in the Petrucci Music Library

  • Nacht opus 89

    picc fl ob bsn 6clar 3sax 2trp 2hrn flglhrn 2trb ten-tb b-tb barytone (voice) timp glcksp tub-b perc [1983]
    Text by Georg Büchner.

    N.B. Some sources list “Nacht” as opus 90 and an unfinished opera, “Geschichte aus Dodona”, as opus 89. From this opera only the libretto and the fragments used in Symphony №.5 [see below] have been preserved. From a first projected opera, “Feuille de Chétif” [libretto in French by Hub Hoedemakers after J.R.R. Tolkien], nothing is retrieved thus far.

  • Vier Noveletten opus 88

    pf [1987]

    1. Pesenka
    2. Pribautka
    3. Skaz
    4. Plyaska

    N.B. The third piece of Vier Noveletten, “Skaz”, dates back to 1979. This short polyphonic piece is of particular interest since it is the first piece in which the composer brought the new tonal centre-based system into practice.
    Published by Leymborgh muziekuitgaven

  • Choreograffiti opus 87a

    arrangement for orchestra of the opus 87
    2fl 2ob 2clar 2bsn 2hrn trp harp str [1991]

  • Choreograffiti opus 87

    a choreographic phantasy for string orchestra
    solo-vl 9vl 5vla 4vlc 2cb [1988]
    Revised 2010
    Published by Donemus/MCN

  • Het Gevecht met de Nachtegalen opus 86

    camaïeu №.4
    2fl 2ob 2clar 2bsn 2hrn 2trp perc vibr harp str [1983]

  • Glyptique opus 85

    camaïeu №.3
    4fl 4ob 4clar 4bsn 4hrn 2trp 4trb cel harp str [1983]

  • Zwerversliefde opus 84

    concert aria №.3
    picc fl ob bsn 6clar 3sax 2trp 2hrn flglhrn 2trb 2ten-tb b-tb barytone (voice) timp vibr perc [1984]
    Text by Adriaan Roland Holst.

  • Konzertsatz für Violine und Kleines Orchester opus 82

    3fl 2ob 3clar 2bsn 2hrn trp trb vibr harp vl-solo str [1983]

  • Lueur Tamisante opus 81

    camaïeu №.2 for small orchestra
    2fl 2ob 3clar bsn 2hrn trp trb timp perc vibr harp str [1983]

  • Eleonore opus 79

    concert overture №.8
    4fl 4ob 5clar 4bsn 4hrn 4trp 4trb timp perc glcksp vibr cel harp str [1983]

  • L’Exsudance de l’Amour Exempt opus 78

    concert overture №.7
    4fl 4ob 5clar sax-t 4bsn 4hrn 3trp 4trb b-tb timp perc vibr harp pf (off stage mixed choir) str [1981]

  • Camaïeu opus 77

    4fl 4ob 4clar 4bsn 4hrn 2trp 4trb b-tb perc mar vibr cel harp str [1982]

  • Symphony №.2 ‘Ainulindalë’ opus 76

    3fl 3ob 4clar sax-a 3bsn 4hrn 3trp 3trb b-tb timp perc mand cel/pf harp str [1981]

  • Sleep of Yavanna opus 75

    2nd symphonietta
    3fl 3ob 4clar sax-a 3bsn 4hrn 3trp 3trb b-tb timp perc vibr str [1982]

    1. Destruction of the Lamps of the Valar
    2. The Sleep I Middle Earth only lit by Stars
    3. Life in Doriath and the North
    4. The Sleep II Waiting for the Return of Light
    5. The Rising of the Moon and the Sun

  • The Usher Resurrection opus 74

    concert overture №.5
    2fl 3ob 3clar sax-a 2bsn 4hrn 2trp 2trb timp perc mar/glcksp pf harp str [1980]
    Opus 73 and 74 combined form the “Usher-symphony” in two movements.

  • The Fall of the House of Usher opus 73

    2fl 3ob 3clar sax-a 2bsn 4hrn 2trp 2trb timp perc mar pf harp str [1979]
    Opus 73 and 74 combined form the “Usher-symphony” in two movements.

  • Tædium Vitæ opus 72

    concert overture №.6
    3fl 3ob 4clar sax-a 3bsn 4hrn 3trp 3trb b-tb timp perc vibr pf harp str [1981]

  • Threnos opus 71

    a katharsis for wind band
    picc fl ob 4clar 2sax bsn 3hrn tentb flglhrn 2trp 3trb b-tb timp perc [1982]

  • Melyanna opus 70

    symphonietta
    2fl 2ob 3clar sax-a 3bsn 4hrn 2trp 2trb b-tb timp perc pf harp str [...]

    1. I. Lento espressivo
    2. Largo mesto

  • The Sophomoric Resuscitated opus 69

    concert overture №.4
    2fl 2ob 2clar 2bsn 4hrn 2trp 2trb timp perc xyl pf str [1981]

  • Nachtgewächse opus 68

    “Dem Andenken Schönbergs” (im memory of Schoenberg)
    alto-fl ob 2clar 2sax bsn 2hrn trp trb perc cel harp contralto (voice) [1981]

    1. Nachtfarben
    2. Nachtgesang [text: Eduard Möricke]
    3. Nachklänge
    4. Mondschatten
    5. Gedanken [text: Eduard Möricke]
    6. Morgengrauen

  • Spleen opus 67

    concert overture №.3
    2fl 3ob 3clar 2sax 3bsn 4hrn 2trp trb timp perc vibr pf harp str [1980]

  • Ligeia opus 66

    concert overture №.2
    4fl 3ob 5clar 3bsn 8hrn 3trp 3trb b-tb perc clav guit str [1979]

  • Four Erotic Verses opus 65

    3fl 3ob 4clar 3bsn 4hrn 3trp 3trb b-tb timp perc pf/cel harp barytone (voice) str [1981]

    1. Making Love [ text: Paulus ]
    2. Generosity [ text: Rufinus ]
    3. Refreshment [ text: Asklepiades ]
    4. Alexis [ text: Meleager ]

  • Pantomime opus 64

    concert overture №.1
    2fl 2ob 2clar 2bsn 2hrn 2trp vibr perc cel harp str [1980]

  • Perigæum opus 63

    4fl 4ob 6clar 4sax bsn hrn 3trp 2trb b-tb cb [1981]

  • Das Reale Leiden opus 62

    “Ein Wiegenlied für Lady Macbeth” (a lullaby for Lady Macbeth)
    3fl 4ob 4clar sax-a 4bsn 4hrn 3trp 3trb b-tb perc vibr pf harp contralto (voice) vl-solo str [1982]
    Text by the composer, based on Friedrich Hölderlin.

  • Carmen opus 61

    fl 3clar 3bsn 3hrn 3trb str [1982]

  • Romance opus 60

    fl 2ob 2clar 2bsn 3hrn 2trb b-trb b-tb timp perc harp fl-solo str [1980]

Audio Samples

 

DISCLAIMER:

No fragment has been taken from commercially available media without permission. To the best of our knowledge no copyright infringements have been made.

Groteske, op.142   for orchestra


Ein unbedeutsames Lied, op.140   for violoncello-solo and small orchestra


Nachtmusik I, op.139   for small orchestra


Une Naïade batifole, op.138   a bucolic tableau for orchestra


Die Beiden, op.136   after the poem by Hugo von Hofmannsthal


Dämmerung, op.134   for violin solo and large orchestra after the eponymous poem by Else Lasker-Schüler


Hälfte des Lebens, op.132   concert overture №.9 for large orchestra after Friedrich Hölderlin


Du schlank und rein wie eine flamme, op.131   cameo №.8 for violin and orchestra on the eponymous poem by Stefan George


Widmung, opus 129   cameo №.7 for chamber orchestra


Serenata, opus 126   part four: Scherzetto - brioso


Idyll einer Kindheit, opus 121   cameo №.9 for chamber orchestra


Night comes with soft and drowsy plumes, op.120


Danza dei Pensieri fugaci, opus 114   symphonic fragment


Die Stille, op.113   symphonic poem for large orchestra based on the eponymous poem by Rainer Maria Rilke


L’Aube sur le Jardin des Fantasmes, op.111   symphonic poem for large orchestra and a concertant solo violin


Mélodie langoureuse, opus 106   for flute and organ


Ubi sunt, opus 105   a tableau for flute, vibraphone and string quartet


Symphony nr. 6 ‘Ad augusta per angusta', opus 104   first movement: Lacrimosa for harp and strings only


Symphony nr. 5, opus 98   first movement: Grave