‘I paint music’ started as a love-song. But it changed after I heard stories about people who, suffering from the corona-virus, had to wait at home, behind glass, in quarantine. People forced to stay at home, while loved ones are in the hospital fighting for their lives.
These stories changed the composition into music about the fear of loosing loved ones, not being able to hold their hands. Being stuck behind a glass window, not being able to say a final good-bye.
The music comes visually alive by the inspiring sand-show designed by sand-artist Immanuel Boie.
Orchestration
The composition is written for a small symphonic orchestra, 30 people, including the conductor. The main sound in the middle register: viola’s. The orchestra will be supported by a Tuba-Euphonium quartet and 3 saxophones to provide a warm, golden sound. 4 voices are added, but a small choir could also do the trick.
This orchestration is not ‘regular’: The goal is to unite instruments and people that normally wouldn’t play together. Strings, Singers and Brass play in different types of ensembles, but I think that in these difficult times for music, a composition should also unite people from different musical backgrounds.

Download the score:
1,5 meter corona-proof rehearsals
This composition can be played with less performers on stage than a normal orchestra. Corona-proof compositions can be played with max. 30 musicians incl. conductor, given the present Dutch regulations.
Even few players per part or soloists will do, when smaller orchestra’s are required. The percussion is organized in ‘pits’, so there is no walking at the stage during performances.
