Unfolding Brewaeys
Luc Brewaeys: one of Flanders’ most remarkable composers—read the longread and delve into his sound world
With Ilan Volkov at the helm, the Brussels Philharmonic presents the Second and Sixth Symphonies by Luc Brewaeys: in the latter, Brewaeys brings together everything he stands for - the vibrant coloration of 20th-century spectralism, a bold orchestral configuration and a confrontation with electronics. Clearly influenced by that élan, Daan Janssens composed a new concerto for violin, orchestra and surround electronics.
discover moreAt 13, Luc discovered Le Sacre du Printemps in his grandparents’ record collection. 'That’s when I decided to become a composer. My motivation was: I want to do that too, but better.'
Luc began composing at 10, wrote orchestral music at 15, and completed an opera at 17.
Spectralism! Spectral composers start from sound itself—from colour—rather than from melody or rhythm. The music seems to resonate from the inside out. 'It grabbed me by the throat, and suddenly I knew exactly which path I wanted to follow.'
... the premiere of Symphony No. 6 Talisker in Antwerp Central Station, where Brewaeys drew inspiration from the space’s echo and resonance. He created a spectral adventure for an enormous ensemble of 22 clarinets, percussion, and even garden hoses used as wind instruments.
Brewaeys wrote nine ‘whisky works’—compositions paying homage to his favourite single malts: Knockando, Talisker, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Oban, Along the Shores of Lorn, Cardhu and Black Rock Unfolding.
'I always work without sketches—everything happens in my head.' Brewaeys mentally shaped a work until it was about 80% finished before writing down the score.
Luc Brewaeys: one of Flanders’ most remarkable composers—read the longread and delve into his sound world
experiment in concert & in cinema: discover the LAB series and Robin Broos’ fitting film selection