Dear Singers
“She is of course very used to not hearing much, to deal with that, but at a certain point there came a kind of turning point. It bothered her in social environments,” Sander explains. “Then she had to do something about it, she had to work on it, she also had to kind of accept it. Socially it became difficult. She made music, that was no longer possible, so it limited her very much.”
Arnout adds to his brother, through his tears: “She texted us that it was bothering her a lot and that it was scary.” The brothers immediately wrote a song that evening. “This one came really quickly. We just thought: this has to be it. We wanted to give this to her before she could no longer hear at all,” Sander continues.
‘Best Singers’ starts again: ‘It was an intense process, the recordings lasted until late’ Also read
Tangerines
The number In Your Thoughts was born that evening. Matthijn has the Dutch version In mind made of. “I think what you have written is a beautiful monument,” says the singer. The song moves both the twins and the rest of the artists on the bench.
“What I like about Matthijn is that he really gave a present to our mother. I’m sure I’ll call her later, she will love this,” says Arnout afterwards. Matthijn is honored that he was able to perform the song. “I took that song and retranslated it and sang it, but what I liked most was that they said: our mother will really like this. Actually, there is no greater compliment than that.”
Adjust the privacy manager settings to view this YouTube item.
‘Best Singers’ can be seen every Saturday at 8:30 PM on AVROTROS on NPO 1. Watch the episodes on NPO Start.
Rondé singer Rikki Borgelt emotional about deceased father in ‘Best Singers’: I always have him with me’ Also read
Dear Singers
“She is of course very used to not hearing much, to deal with that, but at a certain point there came a kind of turning point. It bothered her in social environments,” Sander explains. “Then she had to do something about it, she had to work on it, she also had to kind of accept it. Socially it became difficult. She made music, that was no longer possible, so it limited her very much.”
Arnout adds to his brother, through his tears: “She texted us that it was bothering her a lot and that it was scary.” The brothers immediately wrote a song that evening. “This one came really quickly. We just thought: this has to be it. We wanted to give this to her before she could no longer hear at all,” Sander continues.
‘Best Singers’ starts again: ‘It was an intense process, the recordings lasted until late.’
Tangerines
The number In Your Thoughts was born that evening. Matthijn has the Dutch version In mind made of. “I think what you have written is a beautiful monument,” says the singer. The song moves both the twins and the rest of the artists on the bench.
“What I like about Matthijn is that he really gave a present to our mother. I’m sure I’ll call her later, she will love this,” says Arnout afterwards. Matthijn is honored that he was able to perform the song. “I took that song and retranslated it and sang it, but what I liked most was that they said: our mother will really like this. Actually, there is no greater compliment than that.”
Adjust the privacy manager settings to view this YouTube item.
‘Best Singers’ can be seen every Saturday at 8:30 PM on AVROTROS on NPO 1. Watch the episodes on NPO Start.
Dear Singers
Sander opens up about the profound struggle faced by their mother, highlighting that while she has grown accustomed to her hearing challenges, there was a pivotal moment when the limitations really began to affect her, particularly in social settings. “It became increasingly difficult for her to engage with others, and the emotional toll was significant,” he explains. “As she grappled with accepting her condition, it became clear that her ability to create music—a central passion in her life—was slipping away, thus intensifying her sense of isolation.”
With tears in his eyes, Arnout recounts that their mother reached out to express just how deeply this issue troubled her, saying, “It was really scary for her.” Motivated by her vulnerability, the brothers swiftly came together that same evening to pen a heartfelt song. “The creative process felt urgent—we knew we had to deliver something meaningful to her before her hearing deteriorated any further,” Sander adds, emphasizing the emotional urgency behind their creation.
The song, titled In Your Thoughts, emerged from that touching evening, with Matthijn crafting a Dutch rendition titled In mind. “What you’ve composed is a beautifully poignant tribute,” Matthijn remarks, acknowledging the emotional impact of the song on both the twins and the fellow artists present. The atmosphere was charged with emotion, resonating with shared feelings of love and hope.
“What I find incredibly special about Matthijn is how he dedicated this song as a heartfelt gift for our mother,” Arnout reflects. “I have no doubt that when I call her later, she will be absolutely delighted by this.” Matthijn expresses his gratitude for being entrusted with the performance. “Reinterpreting and singing this song was meaningful to me, but the most fulfilling part was knowing that they believe their mother will genuinely appreciate this. That’s the highest praise I could receive.”
‘Best Singers’ can be seen every Saturday at 8:30 PM on AVROTROS on NPO 1. Watch the episodes on NPO Start.
Cheeky Commentary
Ah, nothing like sibling love, is there? I mean, who else could so effortlessly turn a family crisis into an emotional encore? Sander and Arnout, the twins in question, sound like the kind of brothers who would write a song in a half-hour flat—might I suggest they try writing my next Netflix special? But seriously, it’s heartwarming to see them rise to the occasion when their mum felt her world shrinking. I mean, if they can whip up a heartfelt tune in that time, what’s my excuse for not crafting a modern-day Shakespearean tarot reading?
Now, on to Matthijn! The man practically turned into a musical magician, translating heartfelt family sentiments into a Dutch version, In mind. And let’s not gloss over the impact of hearing, or in this case, the fear of losing it. If only I had a song to shield me from my own terrible puns! Seriously though, music really does hold the power to shield us from life’s sharp edges—during those moments when you realize you’d rather listen to “Wonderwall” on repeat than admit you’ve spent your last five pounds on another pointless gadget.
So, grab your tissue box, gather the family, and support these magnificent singers by tuning into ‘Best Singers’. Because, if there’s anything we’ve learned, it’s that when the going gets tough, the tough start belting out ballads! Cheers to that!