Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. A spectacular dive via an extended chromatic scale immediately submerges us in a charged and somewhat archaic-feeling atmosphere. Trumpets, horns and trombones resound in rhythmic patterns, buttressed by restless motifs in the percussion. A second theme, in the woodwinds, begins much calmer but is quickly pushed aside by that same brass offensive. This introduction is the musical expression of the sometimes tumultuous early history of the town of Peer in Belgium. It closes with a D scale played over two octaves and repeated three times, symbolizing the church steeples that dominate the townscape. Peer has the credentials of a town, and people should know about it. There followsa rhythmic, turbulent passage: in the course of history, Peer has not been spared the ravages of war, arson, occupation, epidemic and other evils. In contrast, a slow, pastoral, lyrical part expresses the periods of peace and prosperity the town has known, as well as the serene geographic setting that still characterizes the place. Various instruments in groups are developed in solo style while the accompaniment displays vast, painterly images of sound. Now and then an exotic intonation is heard: a variety of peoples and cultures have left their mark on the town. This episode of tranquility and peacefulness comes to a sudden end when, via a surprising, almost chaotic transitional passage, we are in effect transported back to our own time. A hopeful, festive march expresses the confidence in the future that the Royal Concert Band of Peer exudes. This confidence is wholly justified: under the direction of conductor Willy Fransen, the 95 members of the concert band have experienced an extended period of good fortune, and the 75 musicians of the youth band - and the 45 little musicians of the mini-band - are involved in thriving operations. / Niveau : 6 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. ‘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). / Niveau : 4 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par DE HAAN JACOB. Who did it? is a composition for youth bands with limited instrumentation. While composing it, Jacob de Haan was inspired by a familiar situation: a child caught doing something mischievous such as taking another child’s toy, and trying to get away with it. The other children, however, notice this. The fast tempo of this work reflects the chase that follows - this will be fun for all the band members. / Niveau : 1.5 / Musique légère originale / Date parution : 1905-06-25/ Répertoire / Concert Band

Arr. Otto M. Schwarz. Par PRAETORIUS MICHAEL. The many sided and productive Michael Praetorius (1571-1621) is knwon as a composer of dance music, sacred music and music for the advent and Christmas time. He worked as Kapelmeister to the court at Wolffenbuttel, but he was also asked to serve in other places, includin Dresden. Praetorius was valued for the new impulses he gave to music by means of his use of instrumental accompaniment. His main contribution is his theoretical work 'Syntagma Musicum', one of the most important musical refernce books, in connection with instruments and instrumentation in the early 17th Century. 'Es ist ein ros entsprungen' is a well known ancient melody which has inspired numerous composers andarrangers througout the Centuries. Otto M. Schwarz has made a choral arrangement. / Niveau : 2 / Musique religieuse / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Concert Band Signature Series. Par WALKER GEORGE. In 1946, George Walker was still doing graduate work at the Curtis institute when he composed Lyric for Strings, which would prove over the coming decades to become one of the most performed and enduring string orchestra works of the 20th Century. This first-ever edition for symphonic wind band was arranged by Dr. Luci Disano and premiered by The President's Own United States Marine Band on August 24, 2022. George Walker (June 27, 1922 - August 23, 2018) began his groundbreaking career as a young piano virtuoso and was admitted to Oberlin College on a scholarship following his first public recital at the age of 14. Graduating with the highest honors in his Conservatory class, he was admitted to the Curtis Institute of Music, becoming the first black graduate of this renowned music school. His works demonstrate a wide range of artistic excellence in genres ranging from instrumental and vocal solos and chamber music to compositions for orchestra and other large ensembles. He is the first black composer to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize. / Date parution : 2023-07-31/ Répertoire / Concert Band

Par BALAZS ARPAD. Television viewers of nearly a hundred countries have experienced Árpád Balázs's touching melodies. The series of cartoons have neither dialogue nor text: the music presents the amiable and entertaining adventures of the rabbit with chequered ears and its friends. Balázs has rephrased and developed the well-known melodies and as a result a ''children's story symphony'' of seven movements has been created in which, in contrast with Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf, there is no narrator but the instruments themselves represent the story-tellers. The composer has again associated the groups of instruments with one another in a colourful and varied manner, skilfully alternating the modes of solo, chamber orchestra and orchestra. Movements I, II, IV and VII represent a ''short suite'' that can be independently performed, thus due to its duration of four minutes and easier level, ensembles with more modest opportunities can also perform it. The most well-known parts of the cartoon series music - the main title and the ending - are included in both versions./ Répertoire / Concert Band

Par BLANKEN JOHN. COME ONE AND ALL! Come see the great Circus Bamboni! This four movement work, with flexible four part instrumentation (+ Drum Kit), will amaze and charm you like no other. The first movement features the band as it tunes up and prepares for the show. Then the talented trapeze artists make an appearance as they fly through the sky high above the audience. The elephants parade around the ring with their very own Elephant Samba and the clowns follow leaving you in stitches! A thunderous chord and lots of applause bring the show to a breathtaking finale. / Niveau : 1.5 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie ou Fanfare

From Coppelia Ballet. Par DELIBES LEO. French composer Léo Delibes (1836-1891) was primarily known for his operettas and short comic operas. He was also famous for the ballet Coppelia from which arranger Wil van der Beek has transcribed the czardas for concert band. Characteristic of this work and the music of Delibes' in general are rhythmic, alternating melodies. Another trademark of Delibes' work is the skilful choice of instrumentation, a facet which this transcription honors thoroughly. The piece is a succession of the various themes the composer uses to work towards a brilliant climax. / Niveau : 3 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie