Hymnus was commissioned by the Wilhelmina Easterein Fanfare Orchestra in the Autumn of 1999 for their performance at the World Music Contest Kerkrade. The commission was the result of a collaboration between the composer and the thenmusical director Marten van der Wal. The exact meaning of the word Hymnus is not known but it is taken in this presentation to mean hymn or hymn-like. The melodic material is organic and grows from an initial unison tone. Thisinterval is gradually expanded to form the cell F E C F a semitone third fifth. The only other melodic motif is the ascending three-note pattern spanning a major third. This is the second of his compositions to use this ascending motif theother being Fanfare for a Bright New Age for Brass Band and Organ also of 2000. These characteristic intervals appear in many contrasting moods and guises throughout the piece. The opening unison notes are intended to convey as sense ofpower and magnificence like the first sounds at the dawning of the universe. After the immense power a period of stunned silence and reverence. The evolution of the hymn melody incorporates a variety of moods and atmospheres sometimes expressing much joy and celebration whilst also suggesting periods of intense savagery or prayerful contemplation. The hymn builds as the piece progresses and is finally stated in its complete form at letter W. The official worldpremiere of the work was given by Wilhelmina Easterein at the World Music Contest 2001. Whilst the composer was unable to attend in person he was able to enjoy the premier simultaneously transmitted via a mobile phone from the audience! Conductors Note The tempo indications are to be viewed as a guide rather than a literal instruction. Within the music there is an innate sense of pulse and metre lending itself to considerable rubato. Melody is king and all else is mere support and decoration careful attention must therefore be given to balance.

A tranquil setting of the song O Little Town of Bethlehem interspersed with references to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

En 1992 Michael Mann portait sur grand écran un classique de la littérature américaine Le Dernier des Mohicans de James Fenimore Cooper. Parce qu?il est absolument remarquable ce superbe film historique épique est plébiscité par le public. Portée par un souffle extraordinaire à la fois somptueuse et poignante la bande son est un chef-d?œuvre à part entière que l?on peut découvrir indépendamment du film. Erik Mast nous en livre une adaptation magistrale.

Zamunda is the name of an island that does not exist but only lives in the spirit of Andrew Mackereth. Listening to this composition you can imagine that Zamunda is a touristic attraction that can grow in the future. Travel into the mind of this promising English composer and convince yourself of the beauty of Zamunda. Suitable as opener or closer on your concert. Zamunda is de naam van een eiland dat niet bestaat maar enkel leeft in de geest van Andrew Mackereth. Bij het horen naar dit bijzondere werk is wel voor te stellen dat Zamunda tot een toeristische trekpleister kan uitgroeien. Reis mee in het brein van deze veelbelovende Engelse componist enovertuig u van de schoonheid van Zamunda. Geschikt als inspeelwerk of als afsluiter van uw concert.