This article originally appeared in Dutch on the website of Avro Tros. See the original article by clicking here.

Composer and pianist Guido Heeneman is the creative force behind the music for Krabbé zoekt Matisse. In this interview, we delve deeper into the creation process of the music specifically composed for this series.

What was Matisse’s connection to music?

“Matisse had a profound connection to music and was himself an amateur violinist. While painting, he often listened to classical music. For him, it was not only a source of inspiration but also a framework for his artistic process. He sought to create rhythm and harmony in his paintings by using repetitive forms and vibrant colors.”

What kind of music did Matisse listen to?

“In his early years, it was classical music—Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. Beethoven, in particular, was a significant source of inspiration for Matisse. He used Beethoven’s music to get into a creative mindset. Later, he became increasingly interested in jazz. The improvisation and freedom characteristic of jazz also influenced his later works. His book Jazz, in which he used paper cutouts, is the most prominent example of this.”

Where did you draw inspiration for the music in Krabbé zoekt Matisse?

“I was inspired by a statement Matisse once made: ‘I dream of giving my art a comforting influence, like a comfortable armchair in which one can rest after a hard day’s work.’ This sentiment aligns perfectly with contemporary neoclassical piano music and resonates with my own vision when I compose outside of commissioned work.

I was also inspired by the fact that Matisse initially studied law and was expected (at least by his father) to become a lawyer. However, art was so deeply ingrained in Matisse that it couldn’t be suppressed—it had to come out. I partly recognize this in myself. I initially began studying law and, through various twists and turns, eventually returned to my first passion. It had been in me since childhood. Unlike Matisse, I had the freedom to choose my path, thanks to my parents. True artistic drive cannot be stopped.”

How is Matisse reflected in your music?

“In the piece Je suis Matisse, I took a neoclassical piano approach based on Matisse’s earlier statement. I also tried to convey a subtle French vibe, partly by choosing the piano and incorporating a waltz form. This is reminiscent of a composer like Chopin. However, the chord and melody structures are different—it’s somewhere between pop and classical.

The piece Les Fauves is inspired by Fauvism, an artistic movement born from a groundbreaking exhibition in Paris, in which Matisse and other like-minded artists participated. They were known as Les Fauves because of their innovative approach. For this piece, I chose a modern, open composition that conveys curiosity. It stands apart from the other pieces I composed for this series.

For the theme music Searching for Matisse, I opted for a calm neoclassical piano style in the first part to reflect the serenity Matisse exuded. However, beneath the surface, he was far from calm, which is reflected in the second part of the theme music, where strong emotions emerge.”

About Guido

For years, composer and pianist Guido Heeneman has created music for well-known TV series and films, including Krabbé zoekt Kahlo, Chagall, Gauguin, and Picasso. For the theme music of the latter, he won the 2018 Buma Award for Television Scoring.

In addition to his commissioned work, Guido releases his own (primarily piano) compositions under his artist name, GUIDO, and frequently performs live. Earlier this year, he performed in a sold-out main hall of Paradiso, and on Saturday, March 29, 2025, he will perform at the Royal Concertgebouw.

This article originally appeared in Dutch on the website of Avro Tros. See the original article by clicking here.