Matthijs Vermeulen

Full biography Matthijs Vermeulen

Matthijs Vermeulen was a Dutch composer and music critic born on February 8, 1888, and passed away on July 26, 1967. He began his career as a writer and later became a music critic for the Amsterdam daily De Tijd. He was known for his perceptive and provocative writing, which earned him a reputation as one of the most important music critics of his time. Besides his work as a critic, Vermeulen is remembered for his symphonic works, which are considered some of the most significant contributions to the 20th-century Dutch music scene.

Vermeulen's music style was characterized by an individualistic approach that incorporated various elements of modernism and romanticism. His compositions focused on the expression of inner feelings and personal experiences, often dealing with themes of spirituality and transcendence. Vermeulen's oeuvre includes seven symphonies, numerous chamber works, and vocal music.

Vermeulen's second symphony, "Prelude à la Nouvelle Journée," is considered one of his most influential pieces. It was composed between 1919 and 1920 and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of early 20th-century Dutch symphonic music. Some of his other notable works include "Les (très) riches heures du comte de Buñuel" and his seventh symphony, "The Tenth Muse".

Vermeulen was a recipient of several prestigious awards during his career, including the Matthijs Vermeulen Prize and the Amsterdam Culture Prize. Vermeulen passed away at the age of 79 in Laren, the Netherlands. Despite his contributions to the Dutch music scene, Vermeulen remains relatively unknown outside of his homeland.