Interview with award-Winning Composer José Retra
Sonolize is proud to present the Dutch composer, pianist and composition teacher José Retra. Her music spans a wide range of genres, from piano works and chamber music to choral and orchestral compositions. In 2023 she won the prestigious Vic Nees Composition Competition with her work Le Secret for women’s choir and piano, further establishing her reputation as a distinctive voice in contemporary classical music. In this interview, José reflects on her creative process, her experiences as a composer and educator, and her vision for the future of classical music.
You are active as a composer, piano teacher and composition teacher. How do these different roles influence one another, and what does teaching composition teach you about your own creative process?
Of course, it is possible to see these as three different roles, but I think there is a cross-fertilisation that is certainly positive for composition. Because I am a piano teacher, I can help composition students very well when writing a work for piano.
Every instrument has its own specific possibilities and impossibilities. If, as a composer, you have large hands, you can easily forget that when someone else wants to play your work, certain things are simply physically impossible to reach. It may seem trivial, but it is crucial.
There is also the question of how to make good use of the polyphony of the piano. Polyphony can in turn influence writing for other instruments, for example in a small ensemble such as a duo or a string quartet. In composition lessons, we make extensive use of analysis: analysis of existing works, but also of our own work. This always remains fascinating and certainly carries over into piano lessons: what exactly is written here? What did the composer intend?
What is very beautiful, and something I try to encourage from the very beginning, is that even beginning composition students have something uniquely their own. The challenge is to preserve and cherish this, and not let it be overshadowed by “the way things are supposed to be done.” As a result, highly original melodies, harmonies and aspects of musical form emerge, which are a source of inspiration for me.
Your oeuvre includes solo piano music, songs, chamber music, choral works and orchestral compositions. Do you approach composing differently when writing for voices than when composing purely instrumental music?
Yes and no. Obviously, it is necessary to look at voices differently from purely instrumental music, if only because of the technical possibilities and limitations, and the vocal range.
In addition, voices are closer to human beings, closer to the soul. This influences the possibilities for expression. This is separate from the technical aspect of what is and is not possible. When it comes to sounds and harmonies, my musical language, if we can speak of such a thing, is naturally the same for voices as it is for instrumental music.
In 2023, you won the Vic Nees Composition Competition with Le Secret for women’s choir and piano. What inspired this work, and what did this distinction mean to you as a composer?
The poem was the inspiration. I am very grateful that my notes are appreciated. On the one hand, I do not write for the desk drawer; you hope that your work will be performed and that audiences can enjoy it. On the other hand, it is a recognition of my work as a composer.
I come from a generation in which everything you did compositionally as a woman was criticised and, to put it bluntly, you were told to go back to the kitchen sink.
Several of your compositions have been performed by professional musicians and ensembles in different countries. Is there a particular performance of one of your works that remains especially memorable to you, and why?
After giving this question some thought: all performances are special. Precisely because my work is being performed and musicians take the trouble to study and rehearse it. I am very grateful for that.
Throughout history, many female composers have received less attention than their male counterparts. Do you feel that the position of women composers is changing today, and are there composers who have inspired you along the way?
People still refer to Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn, Louise Farrenc and Barbara Strozzi. But many more women composers are now coming to the fore. There is already quite an extensive list on Wikipedia! The French organisation Cité des Compositrices is bringing many women composers out of obscurity.
The wonderful Rebecca Clarke (1886–1979) almost won a composition competition for which she had submitted her work anonymously. The jury was surprised to discover that the composer was a woman. Fortunately, those times are behind us.
Things have indeed improved. Books have been published, and recently I saw a poster for primary schools in the UK featuring female composers. We now have publishing houses dedicated to works by women composers and competitions exclusively for female composers. There is also a link on my website to the Dutch Foundation for Women and Music.
All of this is still necessary, because ideally it should not be about this at all. A work, a composition, is either good, appealing and enjoyable to perform, and whether it was written by a woman or a man should not matter. But we are not there yet. We are certainly moving in the right direction.
How does a new composition usually begin for you? Do you start from a musical idea at the piano, a text, an emotion, or perhaps a story you want to tell through music?
Inspiration and ideas can begin in many different ways. A sound, a motif or a melody may emerge. Perhaps a harmony or a chord. From there I develop the composition.
Usually there is already some kind of initial idea about the course of the work, regarding its structure and duration. However, I will certainly deviate from an intended plan if I feel that the result is more beautiful.
How do you see the future of sheet music publishing, and what made you decide to make your music available through Sonolize?
It is possible that the digital domain will continue to develop further, with all the advantages that brings. Among them are less paper usage, easier distribution of works, and online libraries in which everything can be found. I am thinking particularly of advanced amateur musicians who enjoy playing contemporary music.
For several years I directed an ensemble of advanced amateur musicians who very much wanted to perform contemporary music. I also made many arrangements for this ensemble. We should strongly encourage non-professional musicians who want to play contemporary music. However, the parts were often unavailable, far too expensive, or could only be rented by professional ensembles. That was not only disappointing but also rather absurd. It would be very good if this became much more accessible.
Personally, I prefer the tangible nature of a paper score that you can place on a music stand. I regularly browse through second-hand shops; the smell of the paper and the pencil markings appeal to me. But online platforms can offer all sorts of music that would otherwise be unavailable, and that is wonderful as well.
When composing, I still use pencil and paper. Afterwards, the music is entered into the computer to create a neat and readable score.
My first introduction to Sonolize was extremely pleasant. I noticed a genuine interest in me as a composer. The first conversation was open, honest and enjoyable. It was also very surprising to see how international Sonolize has already become. It is a wonderful platform where I feel at home.
Interview with Dimitri Sprokkereef: An Inspiring Musical Journey
Sonolize is delighted to introduce Dutch composer Dimitri Sprokkereef. Inspired by literature, photography, anthropology, biology and cosmology, he creates music that brings stories, people and ideas to life. In this interview, Dimitri reflects on his musical journey, his inspirations and his passion for wind and brass music.
Interview with Henry Kelder, Edition MatchingArts
We are pleased to share that the complete portfolio of the Dutch publisher Edition MatchingArts is now available on the Sonolize platform.
We speak with Henry Kelder, versatile musician, pianist, composer, conductor, chamber musician, teacher, and founder of Edition MatchingArts. He reflects on his decision to collaborate with Sonolize and shares his vision for the future of music and music publishing.
Composer Colin Eatock about a more diverse and democratic musical world
Colin Eatock is a Canadian composer, critic, and author. He has written for major publications and composed for choirs, soloists, and orchestras. His albums were released by Centrediscs, and he has published three books on music and culture. Eatock also taught at the University of Toronto.
Canadian Composer Itamar Danziger about Emotional Power of Composition
Itamar Danziger is a Canadian composer whose tonal music blends Classical, Folk, and Klezmer influences. His works have been performed internationally, with Arbutus Dance winning a 2023 Bubbe Award.
Summer 2025 catalogue
Looking for unique and high-quality sheet music? Discover our 2025 Sonolize summer catalog featuring a selection from our 2,200 high-quality sheet music compositions — for soloists, orchestras, ensembles, and choirs.
From Horn to Harmony: The Musical World of Roger Müller
Award-winning Swiss composer, arranger, conductor, and horn player Roger Müller has performed with leading brass bands and orchestras, and has composed and arranged for a wide variety of ensembles, operas and musicals. We are delighted that he has chosen Sonolize to publish his diverse repertoire of classical, wind, and folk music.
Dirk Wambacq: A Composer’s Journey in Sound and Structure
Dirk Wambacq, the Belgian clarinetist, composer, and conductor studied at the conservatories of Ghent and Brussels, earning top honors and a master’s degree in composition. Wambacq composes and arranges for wind and symphonic orchestras and conducts various Belgian ensembles, often creating tailored arrangements for them.
Interview with Rudi Tas
Rudi Tas is an award-winning composer of music for choir, solo instruments, chamber music and orchestra. He studied at the Conservatoires of Brussels and Ghent. Having spent a considerable amount of time as a concert organist and choir director, he now focuses on composing. His music is permeated by influences from the past, from traditional and contemporary musical language.
Winter 2024 catalogue
Looking for unique and high-quality sheet music? Check our winter catalog with a small selection of our almost 2000 compositions.
Interview with Ron van Effrink
De Dutch composer of contemporary music Ron van Effrink started to compose not until later in his career as musician. He is an autodidact, a few years ago he got lessons in counterpoint. He is inspired by classical composers such as Bach, Debussy and Stravinsky. This October his latest composition for Symphony orchestra 'Overture Waves of Ireland' was performed during the Westerkerk Music in Veenendaal (NLD).
How can you help us to grow further?
Sonolize is a platform for and by composers, whether you make classical, wind, opera, religious, latin, jazz, or folk music, for individual players, orchestra, brass band, choir, or ensemble. You are very welcome at Sonolize. We have big ambitions, but how can you help Sonolize to grow further?
Summer 2024 catalogue
Looking for unique and high-quality sheet music? Check our summer catalog with a small selection of our almost 1700 compositions.
Koen Van Biesen about his 'Elegy'
During the Flemish Open Brass Band Championships (VOBK) in Mechelen in april, the work 'Elegy' by Koen Van Biesen was the compulsory piece in the D Division.
Interview with David Dolatowski
David Dolatowski is a classically trained composer with a PhD in Music Composition. His “classical” compositions ranging from intense classical and dramatic pieces to beautiful Native American flute songs include works for orchestra, concert band, mixed and women’s choirs, as well as a wide variety of chamber music. His compositions are played all over the world.
Interview with Timothy Gargiulo
Timothy Gargiulo is a composer, pianist, guitarist, and percussionist with an incredibly expressive musicality. His music comes forth from a forward thinking melodic and textural palette. Some of his musical influences include Frédéric Chopin, Ney Rosauro, John Williams, Toru Takemitsu, Ichika Nito, Bernard Herrmann, and Jacob Collier.
Interview with Nick Norton
As a composer, guitarist, music editor, and sound artist Nick Norton is interested in the colorful grey areas between genres, creating new experiences for listeners, and destroying social barriers to enjoying music. He has written for and collaborated with soloists, chamber ensembles, concert series, and orchestras, and loves making cool noises with synthesizers.
Interview with A. Douglas Biggs
He is a widely experienced and award-winning composer, conductor, performer and artist. His compositions span a wide range of styles and genres and numerous works for orchestra, band, chamber music, chorus, and a growing involvement in video, film and game projects.
Interview with Marc Douyon
Marc Douyon is a pianist, published author, and award-winning composer. He is a member of ‘The Society of Composers’ and the ‘American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers’.
His compositions include works for instrumental, vocal, orchestral, and electronic music and have been recognized and performed in many countries.
Sonolize is growing fast
Sonolize is growing fast, with almost 150 composers and arrangers of 19 different nationalities and new music every week. We would like to thank you for your confidence in us. As together with you we create an international platform where musicians can find a wide range of sheet music and also composers are fairly rewarded for their creations. Read how we like to go the extra mile for our composers...
The Dutch “Day of the composer".
On June 17, 'New Music Now' organizes the second 'Day of the Composer' with her partners. A major event that puts Dutch composers and new music in the spotlight. This year, the New Music NOW Express music train will travel through the country. The longest track of new music ever with over 347 kilometers of music!
Newsletter and summer catalog
Wanna play music yourself this summer? Check our newsletter with a selection of our almost 1500 sheet music compositions for the individual player as well as for orchestras, ensembles and choir.
Interview with Sandro Bucciarelli
Sandro Bucciarelli won several prizes as a saxophone player. He is also in high demand as a teacher, conductor and composer. Sandro is currently working on a big Disney concert with singers from Berlin, Vienna and Cologne and recently finished a great trumpet concerto for one of the leading wind bands in Luxembourg.
Composers Spring Newsletter
Check in our spring newsletter how we like to go the extra mile for our composers with new ideas and options. And interviews with three fantastic composers from Luxembourg, who share their compositions through Sonolize, Tim Kleren, George Sadeler and Sandro Bucciarelli.
Interview with Georges Sadeler
Besides his main job in the Military Band of Luxembourg, Georges Sadeler is well on his way to making himself known as a talented composer by winning a lot of competitions. He also is a sought-after composer who often writes on commission.
Interview with Tim Kleren
Tim Kleren is a very established composer writing in various styles and for a wide array of performers. From youth to professional and from flexible bands to bigbands and wind orchestra’s he is often played around Europe.
Music for Dutch liberation day
Sonolize offers you a wonderful choice of music for your performance on the Dutch liberation day on May 5th, for Concert band, Fanfare band and Brass band.
History of publishing
A must-see video on Homayoon Kazemi's YouTube channel shows an interesting perspective on the history of music publishing and printing. From where it started to today. Watch it on Homayoon TV.
https://youtu.be/T-_xGW99XAI
Musical wishes for 2023
We wish everybody a happy, healthy, joyful, inspiring, creative, peaceful, successful and musical 2023.
Music recordings for composers
In cooperation with our partner Brevis Musica, Sonolize can offer our composers tailor-made sound recordings for individual players and small ensembles.
Winter catalog and news
Check our winter catalog on Sonolize with music for the individual player as well as for orchestras and ensembles
Laurensvocaal
We are proud that Wiecher Mandemaker, artistic director and conductor of Laurens Vocaal, and Hayo Boerema, composer and organ player at Laurensvocaal, choose to offer their choir and organ compositions through the Sonolize platform.
Interview with Ed de Boer
Ed de Boer is an established composer, he wrote three opera’s, three symphonies, two ballets and much more for symphony orchestra, wind band and fanfare band. And Ed is still writing with a lot of passion. In 2017 he was awarded the Dutch BUMA Brass Award for wind music, for his merits in this field.
Summer catalog
Check our summer catalog on Sonolize with music for orchestras, ensembles and soloists.
The Dutch “Day of the composer".
On June 18, 2022, 'New Music NOW' will organize the first 'Day of the Composer' in the Netherlands. A major event that puts Dutch composers and new music in the spotlight.
News from our Sonolists
We are very proud that Maurick Reuser, Georges Sadeler and Thom Zigterman all have won prestigious international awards for their latest compositions.
Interview with Nikolaï Clavier
The young and talented Norwegian composer Nikolaï Clavier is an award-winning composer currently living in the Netherlands. He has already composed music for 15 movies, 6 commercials and a video game. And is currently arranging Bartok’s Mikrokosmos for symphony orchestra. We are proud to introduce him to you in this newsle
Maurick Reuser wins two 1st prizes
Pianist and composer Maurick Reuser has won two first prizes in the international composition competition 'The Time of the Guitar'. The competition took place online last month. Maurick received the prizes for the guitar solo work 'From Clouds and First Winds', a duo for clarinet and guitar.
Interview with Geert Jan Kroon
Composer, conductor and musician Geert Jan Kroon is an ambitious person with fresh ideas about music and its world. Recently he achieved a wonderful result with a very positively received work that he wrote for the Dutch Brass Band Championships. We are proud to introduce him to you in this article.
Winter catalog and news
In this newsletter you will find our winter catalogue with a small selection of the music you can find at Sonolize. Also we would like to introduce you to the new Sonolize label 'Our Choice’ which was launched this month. A label that guarantees you as a musician a professional layout for sheetmusic.
Sonolize composers in the spotlight
In recent months, several composers who use Sonolize to publish their work have been in the spotlights. Joop van Dijk and Geert Jan Kroon both received the honorable assignment to write a test piece for the Dutch National Brass Band Championships. And George Sadeler and Alain Crepin won 1st and 2nd prize at the “Internazionale di composizione per Marce, Città di Allumiere”.
Sonolize presents ‘Our Choice’
At Sonolize we like to be transparent in what we offer. And that is quality. But also at Sonolize there are composers who stand out and pay extra attention to their scores. Especially for compositions with such attention there is now 'Our Choice'. A label that guarantees the buyer a professional layout.
Engraving service for composers
It doesn't stop at Sonolize with the introduction of the 'Our Choice' label. Sonolize also offers you the option of having your composition engraved by a professional at a very reasonable rate.
Summer catalog and news
In this newsletter you will find an interview with the Dutch conductor and composer Peter Habraken. We also would like to introduce you to the Sonolize quality label 'Our choice’. And of course, our catalog with a selection of the music you can find at Sonolize.
Interview with Peter Habraken
In this interview Peter Habraken talks about his inspiration and work as a composer, conductor and musician. But also about the future of the music landscape.
WMC opens applications for 2022
Applications for the 19th World Music Contest in 2022 have started. From this moment on, bands can apply for the marching and show contests and the contests for wind bands, fanfare bands, percussion ensembles and brass bands. Registration closes on November 1, 2021.
Interview with Frank Nuyts
We would like to introduce you to the Belgian composer Frank Nuyts. Frank is one of the most renowned composers in Belgium and has written an extensive oeuvre including 5 symphonies, 18 piano sonatas and a lot of chamber music with the piano in the central role.
More music at school
In the days previous to the Dutch Queen Máxima's 50th birthday on 17 May, the Dutch foundation "Meer Muziek in de Klas" (More music education at schools) is calling on all of the Netherlands to make an extra effort in music education at schools.
From piano music to orchestral works.
The great thing about Sonolize is that composers know how to find each other to learn from each other. Tom Schipper, for example, helps the young composer Tae Hyung Ruisch to become even better. Read his blog on how.
Interview with Adriaan Dropsie
We are very excited that Adriaan Dropsie is offering his classical Spanish compositions for guitar and flute through Sonolize. We would like to introduce him to you in this interview.
Webinar by Alex Schillings at Brabant Association
"The search for the main and side issues. A lifelong occupation for a conductor ". That is the title of the webinar that Alex Schillings will be leading on Sunday 24 January at the invitation of the Brabant Association of Music Associations (BBM).
VLAMO aims a composition competition for fanfare
The Flemish music organisation VLAMO is focusing on the brass band for the 2021 Composition Competition. Composers can participate by submitting a new work for the lower divisions before August 31, 2021.
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year
We wish all our friends, composers and musicians a beautiful Christmas season and a joyful, inspiring, successful, peaceful, musical and most importantly a happy and healthy 2021.
Drummer & pianist Jeroen Elfferich: "The essence of music lies in simplicity"
Interesting article - in Dutch - about Jeroen Elfferich and his passion for music, written by Thea Derks on Contemporary Classical.
How can I find the copyright holder as an arranger?
If you want to arrange a work from a composer, you will have to ask the copyright holder. But how do you find out who manages the rights of the composer you are looking for?
Composers newsletter
Check out this autumn's Composers newsletter with tips on applying for rights as arranger, marketing and music uploading.
Interview with Arend Gerds
We are very excited that Arend Gerds offers his own classical compositions for wind music through Sonolize. We would like to introduce him and his passion for composing to you in this interview.
Sonolize in the press
On September 18, DPG media published a nice article about Sonolize in which our passion is aptly expressed.
Press release
Groundbreaking initiative Sonolize offers an alternative to traditional publishers of sheet music
Masterclass Composition and Conducting
The School of the Arts in Bern (Switzerland) offers a masterclass Composition and Conducting, specifically for Brass bands.
COVID-19 responses from the music sector
From the Music sector, various actions are taken per country to support music authors and the music sector in general during these difficult times.
Sonolize is growing
We have great ambitions and want to become the place in Europe where composers can offer and sell their sheet music digitally.
Fair practice code
Sonolize endorses the Fair Practice Code for entrepreneurship in the arts and culture sector. It's all about Fair Pay, Fair Share and Fair Chain.
Advisory board
We are proud to anounce that Alex Schillings, Mariska Bogaard-Rethans, Micha Schimmel and Geert van Wijk will take a seat in the Sonolize Advisory Board.
Merry Christmas and let’s celebrate 2020
We wish our friends, composers and musicians a beautiful Christmas season and a happy, healthy, joyful, inspiring, successful, peaceful, musical and truly amazing welcome in the ‘roaring twenties’.
Proudly we present
We are proud to announce that a number of composers have joined us to realize something special together with us.
Sonolize is live
Join Sonolize and start up- and downloading music today. From composers to players, digital, independent, fair and with a wide choice of qualified music.