‘Mixed Bag’ stands midway between a collection and a hotchpotch. It is a colourful compilation of four completely different pieces each with its own specific character. The first part is called ‘Tanguillo’ : as its name suggests this Spanish dance is related to the Tango. In the next part ‘Maybe next time ....’ a repeated bass line (Passacaglia) can be heard first solo but thereafter gradually the other instruments join in. The third part forms a huge contrast – did the former part have a Baroque atmosphere ‘Rock Hard’ seems to have come directly from the Rock ‘n Roll era reminding us of stars such as Bill Haley and Elvis Presley. The finale is acheerful inciting movement called ‘Gypsy Dance’.

Imagine yourself in a smoky pub with all the joys that entails. A nice jazzy solo puts you in the mood. This Sugar blues dates from the thirties and is a classic in the jazz scene. A wonderful solo in this case a saxophone but also for other instruments such as clarinet trumpet or trombone (there are different transpositions of the solo part included). Waan u in een rokerig bruin café met alle geneugten van dien. Een heerlijk jazzy gespeelde solo brengt u in de juiste stemming. Deze oerblues stamt uit de dertiger jaren en is een klassieker in de jazzscene. Een heerlijke solo voor in dit geval een saxofoon maar ook geschikt voor andere instrumentenzoals klarinet trompet of trombone (er worden verschillende transposities van de solopartij meegeleverd).

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

In the tripartite 'Cowboy Suite' Alan Laken takes us to the Wild West the domain of cowboys indians trappers and other fortune hunters. Around 1890 the west coast of America was reached which in effect meant the end of the Wild West. Its stories however survived and have been a source of inspiration for many books films and of course music. Some characters such as Jesse James Billy the Kid and Buffalo Bill are forever linked to these tales. In the 'Cowboy Suite' we first hear the 'Hoedown'. At the end of an exhausting workday the labourers used to lay down their tools among others the 'hoes' and spontaneously began to play music on the instruments which they then possessed (guitars fiddles and banjos) and to dance. After being jolted on the 'Wagon Trail' we reach the third part the 'Cowboy Roundup'. In this last part it becomes clear that as a cattle driver it is imperative to stay firmly seated in the saddle. As the cattle are rounded up i.e. driven together spectacular things happen.

‘Rhapsody for Tienhoven’ is a short concert for saxophone and fanfare band. The solo part in its instrumentation distinguishes itself from the other saxophone solos.The soloist should be able to play both the alto and soprano saxophone.The piece consists of four parts which almost blend into one another.A four-tone motif (which is played a number of times by the soloist at the beginning) has been taken as the point of departure for this composition.This motif has been worked out in different ways and can be heard in a swing rhythm in the final part.This piece exacts a high standard of the soloist’s technical skills.The ‘Rhapsody forTienhoven’ was originally written for the fanfare band ‘Soli Deo Gloria’ from Tienhoven. ‘Rhapsody for Tienhoven’ is een klein concert voor saxofoon en fanfare-orkest. De solopartij onderscheidt zich qua instrumentatie van andere saxofoon-solo’s. De solist(e) moet zowel altsaxofoon als sopraansaxofoon spelen.Het stuk bestaat uit vier deeltjes die vrijwel in elkaar overlopen.Een vier-tonig motief (wordt in het begin een aantal malen door de solist gespeeld) is het uitgangspunt van deze compositie. Dit motief wordt op verschillende manieren uitgewerkt en wordt in het slot gedeelte ten tonele gevoerd in een swingritme.Dit werk stelt hoge eisen aan de technische vaardigheden van de solist.

In a four-part composition Rieks van der Velde takes us to the richly varied area surrounding the university city of Cambridge. The Dutch composer was especially inspired by the atmosphere of Cambridgeshire the county which lies north of London. 1. The Journey. Although on arrival the area looks peaceful and friendly the ruggedness of its inhabitants and landscape have an unmistakable influence on the music. In the course of the tour which starts with an Allegro movement we are shown the vitality energy and freshness of the Cambridgeshire countryside. Short themes swift and sudden motifs and rhythmical patterns supported by the drive ofpercussion instruments give expression to this image. The first part is concluded by two 'Calmo' movements in which the music expresses how the cathedral in the city of Ely comes into sight and is gradually approached. 2. Visit to Ely Cathedral. The famous Norman cathedral church of Ely which was built in 1109 has attracted tourists from all over the world apart from being a place of worship and heritage site. A cornet solo introduces the contemplative mood of the composition at this point. The mystical atmosphere of the cathedral runs through this lyrical part like a continuous thread. 3. The Pub. The thirst caused by this intensive journey makes a visit to the local pub a definite must. These ?public houses? which may be open until the early hours of the morning offer all kinds of entertainment. Drinks are served liberally and the atmosphere is lively. 4. The Journey Back. Time has flown: In other words the moment of departure has come sooner than one would have wished. In a flashback which recaptures elements of the first part of the composition we say goodbye to Cambridgeshire in a fitting manner. Two scintillating final measures bring us abruptly back to the present.

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.

In ‘Land of Legends’ German composer Andreas Ludwig (what’s in a name) Schulte takes you along to the fictional world of legends myths and fairy tales. The introduction to the first part (The Castle) describes the majestic contours of the sceneof action. Its instrumentation (horns) immediately makes you imagine being in Medieval spheres. The addition of trenchant copper instruments even gives the part a heroic tinge. After entering through the gate a lot of hustle and bustle appearsto be going on in the courtyard. Pages squires and soldiers are busy attending to their arms. Beer is being brewed flax is being spun cattle are being tended and some craftsmen from neighbouring villages are busily at work. In the upperchamber of the round tower lives an old man (The Old Wizard). He hardly ever comes out and nobody knows exactly what he is doing. It is said that he is engaged in wizardry and magic. It is all very mysterious. There are also festivities some ofthem sober others exuberant. The wedding in the third part is celebrated in a grand manner. With a flourish of trumpets the bride makes her entrance at the hand of her father. Afterwards at the party there is dancing to the music played byminstrels and of course a plentiful banquet follows.