Union Square Dance


[...] The enthusiasm about [the conductor's] achievements became instantly clear during the opening of Union Square Dance, a masterly new composition by Richard Rijnvos (1964). The complex score, a rhythmic steeplechase with a surprising colourful orchestration, sounded not only pleasantly light and precise, but also had the swing that turns a dance into a dance.
The members of the [Netherlands] Radio Philharmonic Orchestra were clearly enjoying the sparkling finale of Rijnvos’ evening-long dance cycle Uptown|Downtown. Rijnvos split the orchestra in two identical ensembles and plays with the contrast between order and chaos in New York.
As credo he chose "divided we fall, united we dance", a parody on the often misused "united we stand, divided we fall", and makes cunning use of the contrasts between light and heavy, between mass and individual, between pulsating brass and surprisingly mild piccolos. [...]
Bela Luttmer, De Volkskrant, 14 April 2009


[...] The final part of this New York panorama, commissioned by the ZaterdagMatinee, had its premiere this weekend. Union Square Dance turned out to be a extremely rhythmical, catching and irrepressible eruption, performed by two identically manned orchestras. [...]
Frederike Berntsen, De Telegraaf, 14 April 2009