Adriaen Valerius

Nederlandtsche Gedenck - Clanck

After the Northern provinces of the Netherlands had united under William of Orange ('the Silent') to start an insurrection against Spanish domination of the Netherlands that turned out to be successful, an age of power and prosperity began in the early seventeenth century, which became known as the 'Gouden Eeuw' (the Golden Century). The struggle against religious oppression was led by freedom fighters who called themselves 'Geuzen'. Adriaen Valerius was born in the midst of this turbulent period. Although he did not know the 'Spanish fury' and the struggle for freedom from his own experience, he must have felt their resonance in Dutch life. Around 1592 he moved to Veere. He might have met many 'Geuzen' there, since Veere had been an important harbour for them.

Valerius died in January 1625. One year later, his heirs published his 'Gedenck-Clanck posthumously. This book contains a historical summary of the war of liberation as well as 76 songs, including the notes for the melodies, a lute accompaniment, and a second -intabulated- cithern accompaniment.

Only three songs were original 'Geuzen songs' sung by the freedom fighters. All others were new, and contained artistic and religious reflections rather than expressing the fighters’ spirit of combat. The melodies came from all over Europe (revealing how the trade of the seaport Veere with England and France was echoed in the artistic field).

Compositions by: Orlando Gibbons, Diego Ortiz, John Dowland, Giovanni Ferretti, Christian Herwich, Giles Farnaby, and Wiliam Byrd.

Price: €15

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