‘Toccata Festiva’ was commissioned in 1994 by the Dutch Brass Band Championships. The wind band version was made a year later by the composer himself. Historically speaking the toccata is considered to be one of the first independent instrumental forms for keyboard instruments. Originally the toccata was typically more or less improvised later this musical form was given a more regulated structure. Both elements are used in the ‘Toccata Festiva’: on the one hand the different themes are developed freely on the other the piece has an orderly structure. It is in a three part form (quick-slow-quick) and includes both strong rhythmical figures and broad melodic lines. Partof the composition is written in a more or less archaic tone idiom referring to the period from which the toccata form originates (16th century).

Cathedrals have always appealed to the imagination. Hundreds of years of manpower have been invested in their building and it is not for nothing that today they represent imposing symbols of architecture and history. The cathedral is also a great source of inspiration for compositions drawing on a full palette of acoustic echo effects Gregorian melodies and organ based choral themes.The work ?Catedrals? opens with a five tone motif using double tonguing which resonates through space. Then comes a Gregorian antiphonal theme ?Salve Regina? which is heard in the euphonium and later combines with the opening motif. The quicker passage that follows is basedentirely on the intervals in the motif which by now has added rhythmic variations and develops in different forms including a fugue. The work then builds towards its first climax from which unusual muted sounds emerge creating an atmosphere shrouded in mystery.Gradually more melodious fragments are added to the Gregorian antiphonal theme which develops into an expansive choral emulating the organ and which rises above the sound mass. The work grows more powerful and brilliant in sound until it culminates in a short and explosive finale wherein elements from the whole work come together.

Ces trois évocations ont un point commun elles réunissent le même matériau thématique. Chaque mouvement de la suite est écrit dans un style différent pour permettre à vos musiciens d?illustrer toutes les facettes de leur art. Three Evocations s?adresse à la fois aux formations complètes et/ou incomplètes (voix dédoublées).

David Well composed 'Frida's Whiskers' in commemoration of his own cat who met an untimely end. Frida (whose real name was 'Godefrida van Coopersburg thoe Nieuwenhuys') was a lively creature who led a playful and uncomplicated life. She used to sleep in her basket for hours but when she woke up she upset the entire house and its furnishing. Curtains were inspected from top to bottom and flower pots fell from window-sills just like that! Outside in the open air she was in her element. She used to frolic bouncing into the air. After such playful moods she would return to her basket tired but satisfied where being the cleanly cat that shewas she subjected her entire body whiskers included to a thorough wash.

Taylor Swift's hit song is a pop culture sensation and for good reason. Catchy melodies a fast groove a strong hook...but most of all it's just plain fun for everyone. Shake It Off has become an encouraging catchphrase for parents teachers coaches and even a few politicians. You will love how Tom's arrangement captures all the elements of this pop phenomenon.