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In these ‘special times’- feeling anno 2024 - Wim Mertens investigates different kinds, series and ranges of the notion of ‘robustness’ in his new opus Ranges of Robustness.

In only 9 compositions all (or at least many) ranges are presented ‘in a way our epoch demands’, in the words of the composer. His 21-musician ensemble calls on all the musical colors: woodwinds, a special attention to the saxophone section (soprano-, alto-, tenor- and baritone sax), brass, strings and a full rhythm section with acoustic and electric guitars, multiple harps, percussion and the composer himself on the piano.

This extended, contemporary quasi-symphonic approach is needed according to Mertens as an answer to the challenges of ranges of robustness as we experience them today.

With the song Marina’s Music, Mertens, a long-time admirer of her work, offers an ‘homage’ to the Russian poet Marina Tsetajeva (1892-1941). She functions like a central character - that is lost in a way - among these overwhelming ranges of robustness.