Press
"..Reinier van Houdt,
the most unconventional pianist in Holland, is not only in full command of this
score, physically and technically, but is also able to give this music wings;
this makes him an extraordinary performer. History was written here; a
heroic act of this pianist, who had to travel through an unimaginable mass of
notes, dazzling and complex, with grandiose entanglements of polytonal
chordmasses and extreme polyphony.." (Haagse Courant)
"He was able to pull off any number of technical highwire acts and his technique highlights a remarkable even-ness of tone and touch." (Toronto Star)
"..
his programs are long, but beautifully well balanced. One can only admire his
insight in music and his ability to perform with so much conviction and
abandon, with this detailed attention to colour and timing.." (Nieuwsblad)
"..
the pianist didn't stop at ten fingers and he regularly pressed down a key
with his nose. However the mesmerizing way in which he embodied the schizoid
dynamics of this music kept laughing at a safe distance.." (Volkskrant)
"..a
rollercoaster of a program, a wild ride through metropolis with the audience
in the backseat. For hours van Houdt played the keys, touched the strings and
poured himself and the audience drinks. This was somehow like a roadmovie.." (Rotterdams Dagblad)
"..the
keyfigure in this impressive journey, that started out so idyllic but that
ended in a hellish pandemonium, is pianist Reinier van Houdt; he went through
this trial by fire without a moment's hesitation.." (Volkskrant)
On Scelsi
On Sorabji
"..music
is an audible form of cosmic energy, that is what pianist Reinier van Houdt
understood very well. His performance of Scelsi's Suites was amazing; rough
and agressive as well as extremely tender.." (Utrechts Nieuwsblad)
"I’ve never heard these works played with more confidence and clarity. Reinier van Houdt possesses a prodigious technique, more than equal to the demands placed upon it. More importantly, he has the insight to illuminate the rightness of these difficult works. Works that have proved intimidating to many lesser talents. (MusicWorks)
""..this
man is a rare phenomenon",was the enthousiastic response of Russian
pianist Sokolov. After this tour de force that ended in absolute tranquillity
Sokolov chose to walk back to his hotel instead of taking in the rest of the
festival.." (Brabants Dagblad)
"Das die Moderne keine kompromisse mag zeigte Reinier van Houdt’s Programm, das das Publikum mit minimalem Material und maximalem Klang überflutete ohne es zuzuschütten. Und dass Reduktion, nämlich in die stillen Sphärenwelt des Scelsi-Klangraums, auch Steigerung bedeuten kann, wurde wohl selten so überzeugend postuliert." (WeserKurier)
"He maintained a balance between calm and storm, lyricism and high drama and he entered into a fugue or passacaglia as naturally as he might enter his own living room. Van Houdt played the symphony with the endurance of a freestyle rock-climber. Besides the physical struggle, he had a mental struggle as well, trying to find an authentic voice for Sorabji. The composer has no performance tradition. It is still a new frontier for pianists, and van Houdt is one of the first pioneers." (Toronto Star)
"Zeer secure ontcijfering van Sorabji’s Symphony Nr.4. Een monnikenwerk, maar de manier waarop Reinier van Houdt zich het werk heeft toegeëigend is fenomenaal. Hij laat de piano zingen en de zichtbare toewijding en passie slepen de luisteraar door deze geparfumeerde pianokolos heen. Reinier van Houdt’s briljante interpretatie blaast als nooit tevoren lucht en leven in Sorabji’s muzikale erfenis." (Brabants Dagblad)
"Die Deutschen Erstaufführung Sorabjis geriet zur verstörender Erfahrung. Im Auftreten unprätentiös, zeigt sich zur nicht gelinden überraschung des Publikums dass in dieser schlacksigen Erscheinung ein Klaviertitan schlummert, der die Sorabji-Glut zu entfachen vermöchte. Dabei blieb RvH auch in den aberwitzigsten Passagen klar. Nichts verklebte: Ein Phänomen." (Rheinische Post)
