From young age Martin van Hees, being part of different bands, started writing songs. During his classical studies the way of writing and creating songs became more complex and it turned into instrumental compositions. Martin is currently composing pieces on the classical guitar but also for his ensembles, such as Kluster5. Inspiration can come from different places, but mainly his ideas develop while travelling and exploring different places on earth. Improvisation is also a key element in his musical life, developing the way he composes. Besides that, Martin is fond of arranging music for different occasions and instruments. Below you can find an example of his works and arrangements.

COMPOSITIONS

Solo guitar


The counts’ chord (2018)

Orewoet (2017)

Orewoet is an old Dutch word from the Middle Ages that is not anymore used in the common language. It was created by a poet called Hadewijch. Orewoet can be interpreted in many different ways but in this composition Martin describes the feeling between hope and despair.

Ikariotikoyunbabarrange (2016)

This composition is based on a Greek dance from Ikaria, the Ikariotiko. It is a merge between this dance and the famous guitar-composition Koyunbaba by Carlo Domeniconi. That is how Martin came up with the title “Ikariotiko – koyunbaba – arrange”. The music slowly develops into the melody of the ikariotiko, however the melody is always present but hidden between the notes.

Wil je ‘n WalsTon (2016)

Ensembles

‘t Peerd van ome Loeks (2018) composed for Kluster5

How do we (2017) composed for CCO3 (2 guitars and drums)

Vibes (2017) composed for CCO3 (2 guitars and drums)

November Music (2017) composed for any combination of instruments

Abakaba (2015) composed for Kluster5

“Abakaba” is a 4-voice canon originally made for guitar, violin, baritone saxophone, piano and vibraphone, but it could be performed in any possible combination of instruments. Since there are 4 voices and 5 instruments, one of the instrumentalists can either leave out a voice or double a voice, thus creating enchanting sound colors. Besides that the order of the voices are not fixed on the scores giving freedom to the musician to play it every time in a different order.

ARRANGEMENTS

Voice and Guitar

Do not Chide me Mother, I. Rybasov

None but You, P. Tchaikovsky

Amid the Din of the Ball, N. Shiriayev

To Hold You Close, B. Fomin

Only Once, B. Fomin

Gretchen am Spinnrade, F. Schubert (2 guitars and voice)

Habanera, G. Bizet

Violin/Viola and Guitar

Siete Canciones Populares Espanolas, M. De Falla

Folk Songs (Ballo, Loosin Yelav, I Wonder as I Wander, Rossignolet du bois, Malurous qu’o uno Fenno, Black is the Colour, La Donna ideals), L. Berio

Damunt de tu Nomes les Flors, F. Mompou

l’Amour est mort & La Chanson des Vieux Amants l, J. Brel

Cuckoo & the Ash grove, B. Britten

Thalassa & Armenaki, Griekse volksmelodieën

Spiegel im spiegel, A. Pärt

Fantasia, Courante & Rondeau, J.S. Bach/S.L. Weiss

Ensembles

Oblivion & Libertango by A. Piazzolla for classical guitar, electric guitar and drums

Spainje by Chick Corea for Kluster5

Guitar solo

5 Dutch songs (Diep in mijn hart (Tante Leen), Zeg ‘t maar (Tante Leen), Duifies duifies (Harry Bannink), Aan de Amsterdamse grachten (trad.), Sammy (R. Shaffy)

BWV 1004, 2nd violin partita, J.S. Bach

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