Introducing Joey Roukens...

Joey Roukens

Recently I discovered 'Un cuadro de Yucatán', a solo piece for violin by the young Dutch composer Joey Roukens. (Picture by Joyce Vanderfeesten)

What is to be expected and how did Roukens get inspiration for this work?

According to the CD booklet, the composer was on a holiday in Mexico and got inspired by the streets, the atmosphere of the lively towns and villages and Mayan temples. The violinist plays different parts: sometimes 'sounding like a Mexican street performer, then shrieking like a tropical bird from the Yaxchilán jungle.'

How would the composer manage to translate all this elements in one piece?

I wasn't acquainted with Roukens' compositions and therefore I expected a typical contemporary style, which is not to my taste. However, I ended up pleasantly surprised.

Un cuadro de Yucatán

Un cuadro de Yucatán is playful, virtuoso and very lively. 'Paganinian' components are there. It has a lot of interesting harmonies. It's a sort of piece a violinist could easily impress people with on a final exam or a recital.

Do we hear Mexico? Yes. If you know a little of Mexican folk music, you can recognize some melodical and rhythmical parts twining through the piece.

This dance converts into a glorious panorama on the jungle and Mayan ruins, represented by the calm, long bowing. A little light-heartedness, dance, and bird shrieking now and then... Un cuadro de Yucatán never bores. It's tempestuous but accessible. Perhaps one should listen a few times before really appreciating. But it is definitely worth it.

Performed by: Janine Jansen, need I say more?

You can listen to a fragment of Un cuadro de Yucatán (CD: Vlaardingen klassiek) on this link: http://www.muziekweb.nl/Link/CJX8112

Read more about Joey Roukens on his website: http://www.joeyroukens.com/