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. This stately concert opener was originally written by Jan Van der Roost for a special event in which six respected wind orchestras (two Belgian and four Dutch) of different composition (two symphonic bands, two fanfare bands and two brass bands) were featured during six concerts. Each evening brought forth a performance by a symphonic band, a fanfare, and brass band, so that the audience could experience all three types of ensembles. This was indeed an original concept. The name, ConZEnSus, comes from a combination of the words, ‘Concert Cyclus’ (concert series) and ‘zes’ (Dutch for ‘six’). This leads to a new word, which refers to ‘consensus’. The general tenor of the cycle isthus immediately indicated. The richness of color of the various ensembles is revealed through an open and friendly atmosphere. During all six concerts (over a span of three years), ConZEnSus functioned as a permanent opening number for each orchestra. Thus the same musical story was portrayed in three different packages. / Niveau : 4 / Ouverture / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Arr. Wil Van Der Beek. Par FUCIK JULIUS. Julius Fucik (1872-1916) was born in Prague, Czech Republic. He studied under Antonin Dvorák and at a young age played in military bands and later became bandmaster, a profession he practiced in various cities with many bands. In 1913 he settled in Berlin where he started his own music publishing house. As a composer Fucik is known for his light entertaining music however he also wrote chamber music, songs, choral works, a mass, a requiem and an unfinished opera. Many of his works have fallen into oblivion but many of his marches such as Einzug der Gladiatoren, Regimentskinder and Florentiner Marsch are still often played. With the concert overture Marinarella, Fucik takes us toan imaginary seaside resort on a beautiful spring day. Marinarella, a girl of the sea, accompanies us on our stroll. Leisurely walking couples on the boulevard, the murmur of the sea, fragments of a waltz melody from a café and a concert band performing a promenade concert pass you by. A fantastic opening work for any concert. / Niveau : 4 / Transcription / Répertoire / Concert Band

Par CURNOW JAMES. Certain to become a staple of Grade 3 band literature this great new composition represents James Curnow at his finest. Beginning and ending with an exciting fanfare that contrasts various melodic, rhythmic, harmonic and stylistic concepts, The Spirit Soars captures the enduring spirit of today’s youth in music. The joyous scherzo energized with buoyant energy and an exquisite contrasting lyrical theme, many moods, and a grandioso finale all combine to ensure this piece becomes a landmark of literature for this level. Plan your next concert around this great new piece from CMP!Take wing! / Niveau : 3 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. This piece was commissioned by the ‘Concert Band Vlamertinge’ and is a plea for peace: the title translates as ‘Peace on Earth’. This is expressed by means of the vocal contribution expected from the performers. In various places of the piece you can recognize, the words ‘Et In Terra Pax’ - an appeal for peace - at first jumbled together but later more rhythmically structured, developing into synchronized massed voices. The work starts with a pentatonic theme based on the notes D, E, G, A and C (taken from ‘ConCErtbAnD VlAmErtinGE’ and the name of the conductor, NiCk VAnDEnDriessChe). A somewhat sad melody is developed during an orchestral climax which leads to the firstexplosion of sound (measure 62 onwards). Suddenly the opening measures are recaptured, albeit with a differently colored sound: the words ‘Et In Terra Pax’ bring the first movement to a close. A restless Allegro follows which abruptly stops and is replaced by a calming cho-rale-like passage. A narrator reads aloud the poem ‘Sonnet’ by the young poet Charles Hamilton Sorley, who was killed during World War I. This poem fittingly puts into words the cruelty and senselessness of war. After the expanded recapitulation of the allegro, the broad, almost infinite atmosphere of the beginning returns. Clarinet and English horn play the pentatonic opening theme once more, this time broadly, while the words ‘Et In Terra. . . Pax’ are repeated again and again by the rest of the orchestra. The composer has purposely avoided all forms of aggression and bombastic sounds regularly used in works about war. Fear of violence and destruction can be heard and felt during the allegro passages. The charged opening makes way in the end for hope: May peacefulness replace cruelty in everyday life, too. / Niveau : 4 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

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

Par OKPEBHOLO SHAWN E.. Shawn Okpebholo?s Heritage, in the Edition Peters Concert Band Series, evokes moods, events and sounds (including West African drumming and indigenous melodies) from an ethnomusicological research visit the composer undertook to Nigeria. One of the primary musical themes of the work is an adaptation of a song that comes from the Esan people, a small ethnic group in the southern part of Nigeria and the tribe to which the composer has deep historical and family ties. The Esan language is poetic in nature and, at various moments in the work, the musicians chant the text from an Esan song: Ekine leleyea do obhimen la doeki nalo (My investment in you is paid off. Because of your hard work, your future is bright). Heritage is a revised version of a work previously entitled This is Africa, which was commissioned by Professor Marcellus Brown and the Boise State University Symphonic Winds for the 2011 National CBDNA Convention and is dedicated to the memory of Dr Harry Begian. / Date parution : 2022-05-31/ Répertoire / Concert Band

Arr. Philip Sparke. Par BEETHOVEN LUDWIG VAN. Beethoven’s York’scher Marsch is one of a collection of three tattoos (WoO 18-20) and has had a chequered history, to say the least. There are several autograph copies for different instrumentations, dedicated to different archdukes who were commanders of various regiments of the army including the Prussian regiment called Marsch des Yorkschen Corps, which is how its current title arose. Philip Sparke’s arrangement enables a march by this major classical composer to be enjoyed by concert bands. / Niveau : 3 / Marche de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par SAUCEDO RICHARD. This powerful work for band is composed in two main sections. The opening slow section features stunning impact points mixed with moments of majestic lyricism and distinctive harmonies. The energetic Presto section in 3/4 is introduced using a percussion ostinato with heroic and fanfare-like figures layered in from various sections of the band. The piece builds to an exciting finish resulting in a true celebration of sound! Dur: 3:40 / Date parution : 2022-07-23/ Répertoire / Concert Band