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Reviews & Opinions

Recorded and mixed between October 2004 and January 2005 at the MiniMinus Studio.
Composed, arranged and produced by René van der Wouden.

CD-Mastering by REWO

René van der Wouden - keyboards, electronic percussion

Pro Sequentia = Latin for the sequential hymns sung by monks and musicians at around the year 1100. This kind of repetitive music can be seen as the basis of the Western music as we know it today.
The word Prosa is just the abbreviation of Pro Sequentia .

2005. Press Information

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This EM merges newer styles and Berlin school like elements into something new. Its not a clone of Tangerine Dream or Klaus Schulze . But its is not too far away from their style.
It pleases the fans of pulsing sequences. How to fit it in words? Better listen!

2005. Till Kopper / Germany

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I received this CD "Pro Sequentia" from René van der Wouden . After I had listened to the soundclips on the site, I decided to buy this CD and I don't regret it. The music is very refreshing but also Berlin School. It is also like the music of other EM such as Jean Michel Jarre and Vangelis , but fitted in René's own style.
The sounds are classic but inspiring. The overall sound quality is very good, especially in Prosa 5 which is my favorite.
The best is saved for last. Although the music changes sometimes unexpectedly, the album gets better and better while playing it more and more. I find this CD a very promising start for this Dutch artist. It indeed pleases all the fans of electronic music.
It is a special record and I hope there's more to come.

2005. Lucas Chagny / Swiss

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2005 production containing the 5 (musical) Prosa's

Prosa 1 (6:12) Imaginary Soundscape : sequencers starting the melody. Rhythm is guiding the music marching through a landscape of colourful sounds. Built on many layers ending as it begun. Prefer to mention it lyrical. Nice piece of music and a perfect start. Marching in!
Prosa 2 (13:28) Totally different floating music mixed with sound effects. Theme starts with a simple melody. “Tubular Bells” followed by heavy sequencers strong middle part ending in “Rhythm and Blues”
Summary : melting pot of different styles showing a musical “bunch of flowers”
Prosa 3 (22:23) Mysterious intro followed by melancholic and emotional music starting the electronic journey looking for ……..
Nice theme again. RvdW proves to be a musical painter using a lot of expression in his works. Sequencers taking over halfway pushing the music to its end. Rhythm is dominating Prosa 3 during the second half cutting it in different slices. The result is a 22 min. voyage working to a climax ( Jarre was around ;-)
Prosa 4 (9:33 ) Less interesting piece missing the character of the previous parts. Differs too much ( TD influences all over)
Prosa 5 (15:47) “The End” starts impressive almost classical. RvdW is obviously influenced by classical music i.m.o. his strongest side and his best Prosa so far. Beautiful Finale.

Chapeau Rene !

2005. Koos van Wijngaarden / The Netherlands

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Sweeping and majestic, “Prosa 1” starts this synthesizer fest in grand style. Soaring pads and effects ring out. Then a moderately paced sequencer loop arrives, followed shortly by a full-on rhythm section that picks up the pace. The lead synth is a tad on the cute side, but the bright upbeat nature of it is enjoyable. Airy synths draw the track to a close. “Prosa 2” takes time to develop, starting with a cool lengthy space music intro, including some nice chords and reverberating bell tones. Just about the time it seems this one will stay mellow, a low bass sequence comes out of nowhere at the 6:30 mark, along with a fantastic soaring synth lead. I get chills on this one. A slamming beat really kicks it up a notch. What an excellent track this is. “Prosa 3” is a 22 ½ minute epic, with a majestic feel like Jarre or Vangelis at times. Once the smooth melody and beat comes in, it also reminds me of Gert Emmens. The best part is, a synth sounds like a synth – no pseudo guitars, violins, or anything else. Pro Sequentia is pure electronic music from beginning to end..

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Dutchman René van der Wouden is already active in the electronic music for a long time. With “Pro Sequentia” he delivers his first cd-r. René's early sources of inspiration are artists like Jean Michel Jarre and Vangelis. These are people that choose the melodically side of EM and this is also René's course. This cd-r consists 5 pieces: “Prosa” (“Part 1” -“Part 5” ). The first part opens with nice digital sounds after which a sequence falls in, soon followed by (pop) rhythms and a Jarre-like melody. It can be heard that René can play pretty well. While listening to the music, these elements together remind me of the music of Frank van Bogaert, though his music is more in the direction of Vangelis. The second part begins quietly, slightly as filmmusic, and a piano-like sound after which the melodic element returns. “Part 3” , with 22:23 minutes the longest track, seems homage to Jarre but also has some melodylines that sounds like symphonic rock. The choice of sounds is well. Sequences play an important part in the fifth part. I find this the best track on the album. The last composition also has excessive sequences, though these sound somewhat fussier. “Pro Sequentia” is an interesting debutalbum. Sometimes it sounds something too poppy for me personally but in spite of this the album is promising. By the way, this cd-r is not available anymore through SynGate. On October 15 2005 René gave a concert at the E-Live festival.

The album Pro Sequentia consists of five tracks named "Prosa 1", "Prosa 2" etc. The first part begins with serene symphonic synth pads and abstract
noises. At around the 2 minute mark we get the first sequence and then another one. Shakuhachi flute can be heard that gives this track an oriental
flair. A 4/4 beat then enters the stage, providing a modern age to what started like an out-and-out retro number. We then get lots of melodies so
those who enjoy melodic EM should dig this. The track ends with subtle pads and soundscapes. For some reason it all reminds me on 90's Tangerine Dream,
although with better arrangements and more interesting sounds. "Prosa 2" has an excellent start with subtle hummings and some out-there sounds. A
wonderful soundscape that feels like being in a parallel world or in a faraway star system. This is in completely different style compared to the
first track and I welcome these changes with both hands. A lone melody is playing on top of wind sounds. Mournful, even a bit tragic mood permeates
this piece. A bell sound adds to the funeral-like atmosphere. A musical equivalent of a transition to another world is the only analogy I can think
of at the moment. However, it suddenly erupts with a bass sequence and some melodic motifs with even a bit of Mellotron flute in there. A rhythm then
kicks in and takes things closer to dance territory, with insistent melodic theme and some tight soloing. The track closes with a dramatic pad section
and effective piano sequences. "Prosa 3" is the longest track of the lot. We hear some pads and a melodic theme that just wanders along. Relaxing, but
very emotional stuff. Substantial changes come after 8 minutes when an Enigma-like rhythm kicks in, along with some resonating fast-paced bass
pattern, while melodic meandering solo continues to cast its spell. Different themes appear towards the 12 minute mark, along with more intense
backgrounds and some additional effects. All then calms down for an atmospheric interlude. Closing this track is another upbeat sequencer-based
section with multiple pulsations coupled with a rhythm and some solo synth. The fourth track is dominated by major chords, therefore being much more
uplifting than most of what's come before. Sequences do come in after three minutes into the track, making this another urgent rhythmic number. My only
gripe are the sounds that on this particular track sound somewhat unimaginative and way too thin. The sequences are ok, but the surrounding
sounds / solos I'd prefer more punchy and bold (and more wooden if you know what I mean). On "Prosa 5" Rene serves us with some synth pads playing
uplifting melodies. Then a sequenced section appears with some cheesy brass& flute leads. Another atmospheric part with synth pads and barely heard
effects comes next. Then, noisy sequence echoes in the distance that is joined by yet another one and another one in the bass register. Thus, we
motor along on top of the most energetic section of this track that eventually closes with sea sounds and various effects. The last section is
rhythmic but laid-back, with nice melodies. Overall, Pro Sequentia is a fine album that perhaps relies a bit too much on digital synthesizers for my
liking. However, own preferences put aside, I'd say this album will be enjoyed by those who like melodic / sequenced Electronic Music with varied
moods and a classical influence in there as well.

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If you like rhythmic/ spacy sequential electronics, this is for you! I‘ve not heard an album in some time that uses sequencer quite so well as this. Its featured front & center musically, and diversely programmed so the layers of melody & effects literally intertwine forming a seamless web of sound. The 5 tracks on the disc make for powerful & energetic listening, programmed so as to complement each other nicely.

© 2006 EUROCK USA - Archie Patterson
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With this album, René delivers some very pleasant music whose main characteristic is freshness. This cd has a cheerful tone to it that makes it a worthy acquisition for all EM lovers who don't want to only listen to ominous landscapes and menacing drones. There are some thoughtful moments as well, of course, but always with a certain lightness that makes for a listen as nice as a walk in the park on a bright morning. And part five is just beautiful :) Buy it and listen to it while sitting on your porch and looking at the meadows (or imagining to), and catch a breath of fresh air.

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