1953-Present
It took me 33 some years, from the first time I heard music from the Dutch composer Johan de Meij, until I explored further. It wasn't for a lack of interest either...
Like many, it was de Meij's first symphony, subtitled The Lord of the Rings, I first heard. It was on a recording from a Dutch military band, and on revisiting it some time past, it is still quite a performance.
Also like many, I was 'reintroduced' to the composer from a Naxos recording of the composer's first three symphonies. And like the masses, I said "there's more"?
Yes, and he is his biggest promoter, mainly through his own music label, Amstel Classics. What better way to get your music out there? de Meij is up to his 5th Symphony, as far as I know, and there are plenty of others, plus many arrangements, waiting in the wings for me to hear.
I hope to get to his own recordings in due time, but for now, I have the reviews of the two mentioned recordings. Find some of his music on Band Music.
Recordings and reviews currently on hand (Click below to visit):
1989: Symphony 1 'Lord of the Rings'
2001: Symphony 1 'Lord of the Rings'
2013: Symphonies 1-3