De aardappeleters (The Potato Eaters) – I wrote this as a waltz because the movements of the family seated at the table appear to me, like a choreographed ballet. You can imagine each potato and cup of tea being passed to one another, a ritual no doubt often repeated in the poorly lit room. This family of peasants appear hardened from labor, yet I get the feeling that they appreciate this time together and even their meager meal. I wanted the music to reflect that as well, so I ended the piece in E flat major rather than C minor.