Dutch-Speaking Caribbean ~ Classical Sounds of Curaçao - Wim Statius Muller

Central Artist: Wim Statius Muller

Description:

In this playlist, we will focus on Wim Statius Muller, a famous classical pianist and composer from Curaçao. He is known as "Curaçao’s Chopin" because he combined classical European music with Caribbean rhythms and melodies. Will Statius Muller's work is emotional, elegant, and deeply connected to Caribbean culture. Many of his pieces are called danzas antillanas or Antillean dances because they show how classical music can carry Caribbean history and feelings. This playlist will explore some of his best-known pieces and one that reflect his musical style and influence.




Playlist: Chopin of The Caribbean 


Antillean Dances, Op. 2: No. 1. Tumba di Johan by Wim Statius Muller

This piece comes from Muller's Antillean Dances album, which mixes classical piano with Tumba, traditional Afro-Caribbean music, and dance style from Curaçao. Wim Statius Muller used Tumba to create a European composition. You can hear how playful and lively the song is, but it still feels elegant and classy. This is a great example of how Muller combined his classical training from Juilliard with the music he grew up with on the island. This piece shows that Caribbean music is not just drums and parties but can also be complex and artistic.




Antillean Dances, Op. 4: No. 25. Despedida, Waltz by Wim Statius Muller

"Despedida" means "farewell" in Spanish, and this piece sounds exactly like a gentle goodbye. It is a waltz, which comes from European music, but Muller gives it a smooth Caribbean feel. The melody is soft and emotional, like a quiet conversation. It shows how Muller's music is not just about rhythm but also about storytelling. It is simple, but it leaves a strong impression.



Antillean Dances, Op. 4: No. 8. Una Anochi na Scharloo by Wim Statius Muller

This song's title means "A Night in Scharloo" which is referring to a historic neighborhood in Curaçao. It is written as a danza which is a Caribbean dance form with both European and African roots. The song is gentle and nostalgic, like someone remembering a quiet evening from the past. Muller mixes soft rhythms with a graceful melody that makes you feel like you're on the island at night. 



Antillean Dances, Op. 2: No. 22. Nostalgia by Wim Statius Muller

Nostalgia is one of Muller's most famous pieces. Plus, the title fits perfectly because the music feels like a memory. The melody is slow and emotional, and the waltz rhythm moves gently, like someone remembering the past. Even though it is a classical piece, it still has that island feel that Muller is known for. You can hear both his love for Curaçao and his classical background in the way the music flows. This song also inspired the title of a documentary about his life, which shows how important it is to his legacy.



Antillean Dances, Op. 2: No. 13. Wals Piet Maal by Wim Statius Muller

This waltz is light and graceful but it still has that Caribbean vibe. The name comes from Piet Maal, a figure associated with local Curaçaoan culture, and the music feels like a tribute. Muller keeps the European waltz structure but adds his own touch with smoother rhythms and gentle turns in the melody. It is another example of how he made classical music feel more personal and local. You don't even need to know classical music to enjoy this. Honestly, it sounds like something passed down through generations.





Bo Tei by Alexander Kraft van Ermel (composed by Wim Statius Muller)

This piece is played by Muller's grandson, which makes it feel really special (you would have to check the link to Facebook, but for convenience there is a video of it on YouTube as well played by someone else). Bo Tei is soft and emotional, and the performance shows how Muller's music is still alive today. Even though it's played by someone from a younger generation, the sound stays true to Muller's classical-Caribbean style. You can hear the influence of both Chopin and Curaçaoan rhythms. It feels like a quiet moment between past and present. This shows how Muller's music continues to inspire and connect people through family and culture.



Alexander Kraft van Ermel | Alexander Kraft van Ermel performing 'Bo tei' by his grandfather Wim Statius Muller. On Thursday January 10th evening & Saturday 12th afternoon he will... | By Landhuis Bloemhof | Facebook


Bibliography:

Muller, Wim Statius. Wals Nostalgia. YouTube, uploaded by vrije geluiden, 12 Apr. 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLYBkq-weDg. 

Kleinmoedig, Johnny. 15 Nostalgia (Wim Statius Muller). YouTube, uploaded by John de Bell, 1 Apr. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4kWO0QpPBo. 

Rijnbout, Rob. 'Bo tei ?' Tumba, Op. 4 no. 1. Wim Statius Muller. YouTube, uploaded by Rob Rijnbout, 6 Jan. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=us1xkOoklxI. 

Muller, Wim Statius. Una Anochi na Scharloo - Danza - Opus 4 no. 8. YouTube, uploaded by Wim Statius Muller - Topic, 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWJCk46Glm4. 

Landhuis Bloemhof. Alexander Kraft van Ermel. Facebook, 6 Dec. 2022, www.facebook.com/LandhuisBloemhof/videos/356388108521849/. 

"Wim Statius Muller Overleden." Antilliaans Dagblad, 1 Sept. 2019, https://antilliaansdagblad.com/curacao/20053-wim-statius-muller-overleden. 

"Wim Statius Muller." Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Sept. 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wim_Statius_Muller. 

Kraft van Ermel, Alexander. Biography. AKraftvanErmel.com, https://akraftvanermel.com/biography/. 

"District Scharloo." Curaçao, https://www.curacao.com/en/activity/district-scharloo. 



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