Erik Lotichius (24/09/1929 - 18/11/2015), a Dutch composer. He soon received his first piano lessons from his mother, who was a gifted pianist. He undertook composing and the violin during his secondary school studies. After briefly studying law, he threw himself back into the music world and studied piano, composition and music theory at the Amsterdam Conservatory.
At the same institute Lotichius was soon appointed professor of counterpoint, harmony, ear training and analysis, and later arranging. He was also director of several (childrens) theater groups and wrote with colleague Lourens Stuifbergen a textbook for reversible counterpoint, canon and fugue.
Lothichius wasn’t striving to be part of the avant-garde composers circle. The results of their musical innovations were very much against his taste. Instead, he sought renewal and inspiration in jazz and light music. This delivered, amongst others, musicals and songs, along side the additional inspiration for minimalism. Through this mélange of styles, the 1990 eclectic opera, Eline, became a great success.
The multifaceted oeuvre Lotichius includes vocal music in all styles, chamber music for all possible combinations, including 24 preludes and fugues for string quartet, symphonies, a Requiem, solo concerts (chamber) operas, musicals ….a “muzirette”.
With the return of tonality in classical music, Lotichius’ works are increasingly well-received. This interest culminated on December 20th, 2009 in a very successful anniversary concert in the small hall of the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. On that occasion, under the watchful eye of the press, Brilliant Classics issued its new CD of Lotichius’ works.