Exploring Caribbean Connection- Dutch

Central Artist: Randol Corsen

In this curated playlist, we explore the music of Curaçaoan artist Randal Corsen, a talented pianist, composer, and arranger born on August 13th, 1972. A descendant of the renowned Joseph Sickman Corsen, Randal began his piano studies at the age of nine and later attended the Brabant Conservatory in Tilburg, Netherlands. He has performed internationally and taught at various conservatories in the Netherlands. His compositions and arrangements blend Latin jazz with classical and Antillean themes. Each piece in this playlist was either composed by or in collaboration with Corsen.

Playlist

  1. Katibu di Shon 
    The first piece in the playlist is Katibu di Shon, the first Papiamentu opera for which Randal Corsen composed the music. The opera portrays a love triangle between a slave owner, a male slave, and their shared love for a female slave, set during the 1795 slave revolt in Curaçao. The libretto, written by Carel de Haseth, was based on his 1988 novel and premiered at the National Reisopera in Amsterdam on July 1st, 2013.



  1. Simpatia
    From the 2005 album Corsen Plays Corsen, this Antillean waltz titled Simpatia is a tribute to Randal's great-grandfather. In this album, Corsen pays homage to the music of his ancestor with a passionate performance that highlights Curaçao's rich musical heritage. This CD is a beautiful recognition of his great-grandfather’s impact on Curaçao’s musical history.



  1. Evolushón
    Evolushón, Corsen’s debut album, earned him the Edison Jazz Award in 2004. Featuring collaborations with notable artists like saxophonist David Sánchez and guitarist Leonardo Amuedo, this piece blends elements of R&B and blues, creating a unique and evolving sound. The tempo shifts throughout, keeping the listener engaged.



  1. Dushi Sintimentu
    Composed by Randal’s 16-piece orchestra, the Randal Corsen Orchestra (RCO), Dushi Sintimentu was released in 2018. The band, formed in 2016, worked with Curaçaoan singer-songwriter Dibo D, a multi-talented artist known for his influence across the Antilles. The piece demonstrates Corsen’s ability to blend various styles while staying true to his roots.



  1. Henter aña den paranda
    This lively, upbeat piece was the RCO’s first original single, released in November 2017, a year after the band’s formation. It features Dibo D, Rich Pieter, and Yumarya Grijt. The song has a vibrant rhythm reminiscent of soca, calypso, and other Caribbean influences, making it an energetic addition to the playlist.



  1. Symbiosis
    The final piece in the playlist is Symbiosis, which Corsen performed live at Avila Hotel in Curaçao on March 30th, 2013. Originally composed by Bill Evans and arranged with an orchestra by Claus Ogerman in 1974, this piece was the third orchestral album produced by Evans and Ogerman. Corsen’s live rendition showcases his deep appreciation for jazz and orchestral music, bringing the playlist to a memorable close.




Referenece
Ganglehoff, C., & LeGrand, C. (2019). Tour de force: A musical journey of the Caribbean. Sound Caribbean. 


Biography. (2023, March 14). RandalCorsen.com. https://randalcorsenofficial.com/biography/


L. (2013, July 8). First opera in Papiamentu: Katibu di Shon. Repeating Islands. https://repeatingislands.com/2013/07/08/first-opera-in-papiamentu-katibu-di-shon/


Randal Corsen en Konjunto Antiyano | Writers Unlimited. (n.d.). Writers Unlimited. https://www.writersunlimited.nl/en/participant/randal-corsen-en-konjunto-antiyano


Influencer Randal Corsen: passionate and dedicated -Share2Uplift. (n.d.). https://share2uplift.org/influencer-randal-corsen-passionate-and-dedicated/


July 6 | Dibo D & Randal Corsen - Muzik Sin Barera - BIMHUIS Amsterdam. (2023, March 6). BIMHUIS Amsterdam. https://www.bimhuis.nl/en/calendar/dibo-d-randal-corsen-muzik-sin-barera-2/#:~:text=Dibo%20D%20is%20one%20of,singer%2Dsongwriters%20of%20the%20Antilles.

Xwhos.com. (2023, March 24). Symbiosis - album by Bill Evans - Whois. xwhos.com. https://www.xwhos.com/person/symbiosis-whois.html 


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