“The folk tunes are true musical art. They have lived through centuries, shaped by the people, carrying our stories, our joys, and our sorrows.” – Edvard Grieg
This year, Agathe Ensemble is fully immersing itself in the production of our second album.
Folk and popular music from the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, seen through the eyes of:
J. Röntgen, E. Grieg, and A. Maier
Eight musicians will take part in the production of this album.
The first concerts will take place on May 9 and 10, 2025. Will you be there?
Julius Röntgen
When young pianist and composer Julius Röntgen moved from Germany to the Netherlands in 1877, he quickly became an active part of the local cultural scene. He was particularly drawn to Dutch folk music, and through its songs and dances, he gained insight into the country’s popular traditions, daily life, and the spirit of its people. This music became a lasting source of inspiration in his compositions.
Folk Music
Like his close friend Edvard Grieg from Norway and his wife Amanda Maier from Sweden, Röntgen spent his life collecting and studying folk melodies. Folk music captures the essence of a people’s soul - simple yet profound, deeply rooted in tradition yet timeless in its beauty.
Agathe Ensemble presents Scenes of a Folk Life, featuring folk-inspired music from the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. Originally written for piano, these pieces have been arranged by the musicians themselves for strings and will be part of Agathe’s second studio album, set for release in 2026.
Photo: Edvard Grieg, Percy Grainger, Nina Grieg and Julius Röntgen in the garden, 25 July 1905
Program
Julius Röntgen:
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Oud Hollandsche Boerenliedjes en Contradansen
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Scenes from Dutch Life, Op. 81
Amanda Maier:
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Swedish Melodies and Dances, Op. 6
Edvard Grieg:
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4 Norwegian Dances, Op. 35
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Scenes of a Country Life, Op 19
Agathe Ensemble:
🎻 Violin: Aleksandra Kwiatkowska, Leonid Nikishin, Ella van der Mespel, Raquel Marin
🎻 Viola: Almudena González-Regueral, Mara Tieles
🎻 Cello: Ivan Nogueira, Jorge Municio