Variations on a Chord was composed on the occasion of the second lustrum of the Dutch Brass Band Championships celebrated in 1990. The piece is the immediate sequel to Contrasten a piece which was composed in 1986 and which is performed all over the world. Not only was the final chord of this previous work used as a starting point for the new composition but Variations on a Chord is also the first concert piece for brass band composed by Jan de Haan since then. The several variations are based on a solemn theme. The so-called minor-major seventh chord is easily detectable. The structure of the piece is such that the lyrical theme is preceded by a majestic introduction and isfollowed by eight variations each strongly contrasting in character. The piece finishes in a short but extremely spectacular coda.

The Fanfare For The Common Man came about in the summer of 1942 when Eugene Goosens approached eighteen American composers to contribute patriotic fanfares for performance by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Ten of these pieces were written for percussion and brass alone. The works do not only enrich the literature for brass and percussion but to pay tribute to all those involved in World War II.

In ‘Famous Folksongs’ we are taken on a musical trip around the world from France to the USA and from South America to the Middle East. Dagmar Kildevann arranged eight word famous folk songs in very different ways. From traditional (Lolo mi boto) to modern (Le coq est mort) and from swing (Sur le pont) to rock (Michael row the boat). Bon voyage have a pleasant journey! Oh and by the way don’t forget your passport!

The young have the future. This is the statement made at the beginning of ‘Like a Child’ by Andreas Ludwig Schulte. The opening radiates strength and ambition but one is also made to wonder which direction will be chosen which choices will have to be made.After the introduction the first steps on the path of life are taken still somewhat unsteadily (the 3/4th time used illustrates this uncertainty). However the child has now set off and will meet the future with an open mind unafraid even though experience will teach it how easily it can be hurt.Fortunately it is sometimes allowed to be vulnerable and it discovers there will always be someone to offer shelter support and love. (Adagio) The last part breathes a far greater independence. Youth is able to face the future it can even take on the whole world!

This timeless world-wide hit of the Flying Pickets has perhaps been arranged many times for all possible types of orchestra. However there are practically no arrangements for wind orchestras. Hans Vansant has arranged this jewel in an original way.