Agathe Ensemble presents Scenes of a Folk Life, a program featuring folk music from the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.
Originally written for piano, these works have been arranged for strings by the musicians themselves and will be included on Agathe's second studio album, due for release in April 2026.
Our
new album
RÖNTGEN · MAIER · GRIEG
Folk Music
meets Classical
Scenes of a Folk Life explores the meeting point between folk traditions from the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway and classical music. Featuring works by Julius Röntgen, Amanda Maier, and Edvard Grieg, the album presents new arrangements for string ensemble that highlight the dances, songs, and shared spirit of these three countries.
Although the composers came from different backgrounds and influences, they were connected through close encounters and mutual inspiration. By listening closely to what lies beneath the notes, Agathe Ensemble brings the folk voice within these compositions back to the surface, inviting us to hear the scenes they evoke.
Own
arrangements
The works on this album, by Julius Röntgen, Amanda Maier, and Edvard Grieg, were written at a time when composers increasingly focused on national identity and local traditions. In the late Romantic period, folk and classical music entered into a close dialogue, though folk elements could easily fade into a more refined musical language.
With our new arrangements for string ensemble, we aim to let this music stand out once again. We bring it back to its rhythmic core, physical energy, and dance-like impulse, allowing the songs and dances hidden within it to come through clearly again.
All arrangements were created by cellist Ivan Nogueira and violist Almudena Gonzalez-Regueral.
The Music
JULIUS RÖNTGEN
• Old Dutch Farmer Songs and Contra Dances
• Scenes from Dutch Folk Life, Op. 81
AMANDA MAIER
• Swedish Tunes and Dances, Op. 6
EDVARD GRIEG
• Scenes from Country Life, Op. 19
• Bridal Procession, Op. 19 No. 2
Agathe Ensemble
musicians in the album recordings:
Violin:
Aleksandra Kwiatkowska
Leonid Nikishin
Ella van der Mespel
Raquel Marin
Fiona Robertson
Viola:
Almudena González-Regueral
Fernando Pérez
Cello:
Ivan Nogueira
Jorge Municio
Artwork
Alongside the music, a new series of illustrations is being created by graphic artist Roland Toth. These illustrations explore the background of the music and combine it with the linocut printing technique. They are also included in the album booklet, where they accompany the text describing the music, its origins, and its meaning.
Just like Intimate Sketches, it will appear as a beautifully illustrated booklet, filled with stories and background details about the music. The design is once again by Roland Toth.
4 Norwegian Folk Dances, Op. 35 - Allegro Marcato (excerpt) - E. Grieg
Album
Release Tour
During the concerts, Agathe Ensemble performs in two different formations: with four or eight musicians.
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In the smaller formation (four musicians), the arrangements from the album are slightly adapted. This formation is well suited to smaller venues.
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With eight musicians, you will hear the concert as it was originally recorded, with a varied programme ranging from intimate and virtuosic duos to larger-scale octets.
Keep an eye on our agenda for all upcoming concert dates, and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest developments around the album and more!
"What could be better in these serious times than to immerse oneself in old times and try to bring back to life what once flourished and has enduring value!”
- Julius Röntgen, 1915
in the media
Scenes of a Folk Life has received attention across various radio broadcasts and media.
Between May 18 and 22, the album was featured as “Hollandse Nieuwe” on the program Passaggio Late Night. Throughout the week, parts of the album were played each evening, alongside an interview and insights into the music.
Below, we collect an overview of reviews, radio appearances, interviews, and other mentions related to the album and the project.
Album Review
17 June 2026
Musicweb international
[...} Agathe Ensemble strings play with a remarkably imaginative use of colour and contrast, using their early-music pedigree to bring out traditional stylistic traits in the music while creating plenty of dance-rhythm energy, delivering rustic charm [...]
Album Review
23 April 2026
Recent Finds No. 71 New Releases (Positive Feedback)
[...] they've created new arrangements for string ensemble that peel back some of the Romantic accretions, aiming to recover the rhythmic drive, physicality, and dance impulse of the underlying folk material. In doing so, they allow the songs and dances within these works to "speak clearly once again." The result is immensely refreshing [...]
Crowdfunding
The campaign was successful!
100% Reached – Thank You!
We did it — together! Thanks to your incredible support, our crowdfunding goal is fully reached. ❤️
This spring, we’ll share the finished album Scenes of a Folk Life with you, a project made possible by your generosity. Rewards will also be sent out around that time.
Until then, we’ll be in the studio bringing the music to life. Thank you for believing in us!
— With love from all of us at Agathe Ensemble 🍂
Scenes of a Folk Life was made possible thanks to the support of SENA Fonds, Cultuurfonds Zuid-Holland, Het Batavierhuis, Stichting Fonds voor de Geld- en Effectenhandel, the collaboration with Voordekunst, and the generosity of our audience, friends, and family.
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