Journey Under Brilliant Skies (2021) is almost a study of the role of the pianist within the piece. The soloist is the driving force behind the ensemble and in this role he speaks almost continuously, except in the beginning of the second movement where he is silent. It is essential here that the degree of presence of the soloist constantly fluctuates. This concept brings about a general fusion of roles, in which the soloist and the orchestra operate in complete harmony. This is immediately apparent from the very first entrance of the orchestra.
Although the music initially evokes a distant echo of Bach, Joep Franssens has fully adapted this influence to his own time: the many bar changes follow the natural length of the asymmetrical melodic phrases within a stirring, almost endless framework of continuous pulse, in which the orchestration is warm, lush, and generous. Dutch pianist Ralp van Raat has been completely fascinated by contemporary classical music since the age of 14. Although his repertoire ranges from Bach up to and far beyond Boulez, his primary focus has always been on composers dating from Debussy, Bartk and Ives to present day international masters.
His passion is to convince audiences of the immense beauty and diversity in the music of our own time through solo recitals, lecture-recitals, concerto performances, CD-releases, media appearances and special, cross-medial projects.
