Queen of Lake Malaren March. Par WIDQVIST VIKTOR. One of Viktor Widqvist's most well-known marches is undoubtedly Mälarrottningen. It was probably composed as early as the 1910s when he was serving in the engineering troops, but was published as late as 1950. The march's subtle minor tonality and the elegant runs in the woodwind bring to mind the wavy waters of Riddarfjärden in summertime. Mälardrottningen is just like the other marches by Widqvist composed for the old military band setting without saxophones. The big challenge has been to rearrange the music without changing the timbre and I have put a lot of emphasis on keeping the elegance and resilience of the original and therefore let some instruments pause in parts to get transparency in the timbre. The present arrangement reflects very well the composer's intentions and perception of timbre in new instrumentation for modern wind band. - Niclas Blixt / Date parution : 2023-07-31/ Répertoire / Marching Band

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. This 4-movement suite is based on authentic folktunes from the beautiful southern province in France: the 'Provence'. The composer used an harmonic language respecting the popular characteristics, but on the other hand also contains some 'spicy' notes (. . . just like the wellknown 'Provençal sauce'! . . . ). The instrumentation is very colourful, paying a lot of attention to the different timbres of both brass and wood winds as well as to the percussion section. Every movement has its own character: 'Un Ange a fa la crido' (= An angel brought the creed / credo) is like a bourrée, 'Adam e sa Coumpagnou' (= Adam and his companion) is an old love song, 'Lou Fustié' (= the carpenter)a fast dance and finally 'Lis Escoubo' (= a whistle tune / popular ballad) is a farandole. In the latter, the old tradition of folk musicians who play a whistle with one hand and a drum with the other hand, is clearly represented during the first presentations of the one and only theme)Although this piece is not too demanding, a well balanced band is necessary to perform it successfully. Thanks to the contrasts and the varying colours, it keeps on holding the attention. / Niveau : 3 / Répertoire / Fanfare

Par HANNICKEL MIKE. This exciting medley of American spirituals is sure to please! Mike Hannickel's carefully crafted THREE AMERICAN SPIRITUALS helps young bands develop those all-important listening skills. They'll hear how each tune contrasts and complements the others when “Go Tell It On The Mountain”, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “Who did Swallow Jo-Jo-Jonah” all come together in rousing counterpoint! THREE AMERICAN SPIRITUALS works wonderfully with the unpredictable instrumentation of so many youth bands, while it's contrapuntal nature allows every section to shine. THREE AMERICAN SPIRITUALS allows each parent to say honestly to their child 'I HEARD you play your part!' / Niveau : 1.5 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Fanfare