XXX was composed during the spring of 2008 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, for the Orchestre National de Lorraine, as part of the Acanthes 2008 festival.

The piece consists of two layers: a palindromic rhythmic cycle which is expanded, contracted and superimposed so that its symmetry is disrupted and an ornamental layer that consists mainly of grace notes. The grace notes are sparked by the rhythmic cycle, so as the values get expanded or contracted there is more or less space for the ornaments. In this way the ornaments are actually strongly connected to the structure of the piece and not just superficially enhancing the music.

The piece is dedicated to the city of Amsterdam where I have lived for some years.

This is a recording at the Gaudeamus Music Week 2010 in Amsterdam, by the Holland Symfonia with Hans Leenders conducting.