Berlage’s vision

The Berlage Saxophone Quartet and comedian Vincent Bijlo, explore the significance of art and music for society. They draw inspiration from architect H.P. Berlage’s 1915 design The Pantheon of Humanity. Berlage presented this utopian peace monument with anti-war poems by Henriëtte Roland Holst. Bijlo, the architect’s grandson, recites from these poems while the quartet plays unifying music, ranging from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Goldberg Variations to Joey Roukens.

Like a Gesamtkunstwerk, Berlin’s Pantheon, which was never built, emerges from music and text. Berlage believed that art should serve society and focus on human authenticity. This authenticity is also the key to the success of young Dutch composers such as Joey Roukens, who choose to be guided by human experience rather than abstract musical concepts. Music that stirs the soul and prompts contemplation.