jongen

The music of Belgian composer Joseph Jongen is often overlooked outside of his works for organ (we looked at a work for viola & piano a few months ago). Jongen’s dramatic style and lush harmonies, however, sound wonderful in his works for other instruments, like his rarely hear Trio for Piano, Violin & Viola ('Prélude, Variations and Finale’), Op. 30 that we look at today, written in 1906-1907. Continue reading →

Belgian composer Joseph Jongen was a prodigy, taking to composition early in life, but most of his works have fallen into obscurity since his death in 1953. The works that are performed today are mainly his organ works - either for solo organ, or the occasional performance of his works for organ & orchestra. During his life, however, Jongen showed a mastery of chamber and solo music for strings, such as the Introduction and Dance, Op. 102, for viola & piano that we look at today. Continue reading →