Par CURNOW JAMES. S’il est un souvenir d’enfance qui marque profondément notre mémoire, c’est bien celui de la première rencontre avec le monde du cirque. Quoi de plus fascinant que ce monde de couleurs et de sons, ces mélanges de parfums qui flottent dans les airs du grand chapiteau. Dans cette fantaisie, James Curnow nous dépeint avec réalisme les instants magiques d’une journée au cirque. Après une courte introduction en fanfare, le spectacle commence. Les artistes présentent des numéros élaborés avec précision sur une musique savamment orchestrée. Les trapézistes et les voltigeurs rivalisent d’audace, la ménagerie est impressionnante et le grand finale est l’ultime occasion de remercier pardes applaudissements nourris l’ensemble de la troupe. Une partie narrative (en français) permettra à votre Monsieur Loyal de diriger la mise en scène et de briller sous les feux de la rampe. / Niveau : 2.5 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Fanfare

Par DE HAAN JACOB. This musical fantasy depicts the history of the Dutch fortified town of Elburg. The work begins with an atmospheric medieval picture of the Convent of St Agnes, the nunnery that was built in the first half of the 15th century. We hear the sound of the convent bells together with an upward motif, which will reappear later in the work. Next, the rest of Elburg is featured, including the fortress - from which the bells of the Sint-Nicolaaskerk (Saint Nicholas Church) are ringing. Then, cheerful sounds can be heard at the Vischpoort (Fish Gate), where a dancing group is performing a 16th century French folk dance (a branle des chevaux). We also hear old wagons rumbling over the town’scobble stones. Trade made this Hanseatic town a lively place. The repetitive upward motif first heard in the introduction now develops into a more distinct feature, reflecting the mercantile spirit of the town residents. Then follows the slow middle movement, in which the clock has been turned back to the time when Elburg was still lying on the Zuiderzee (which was a bay of the North Sea), and was struggling with floods. After the second St. Marcellus Flood (1362) and the water flood of 1367 it was decided that the town would be relocated. We now hear the theme of branle des chevaux in a minor key, followed by a death bell sounding in remembrance of the drowned citizens of the former town. Back in our own time, a slow, expressive theme in Baroque style mirrors Elburg’s tranquil places, such as the Feithenhof (Feithen Court) and the Weduwenhofje (Widow Court). Then the bustle returns with motifs from the introduction, followed by an attractive theme in which present-day Elburg is portrayed with its many tourists. Now, suddenly, there is an echo from the past, depicting the dramatic floods and wars that once plagued the town. This leads to the grand closing theme: branle des chevaux is heard for a final time from the perspective of the historic town centre. / Niveau : 4 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Fanfare

Par JOHNSON TIMOTHY. Based on the African-American spiritual “Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit”, Feel the Spirit captures the essence of the traditional spiritual. These songs were created by African-Americans oppressed by slavery. A deeply religious people, the slaves would use singing as an expression of both their enthusiastic joy and profound sadness. Feel the Spirit enables you to play a great gospel song with your band / Niveau : 2 / Hymnes et chorals / Répertoire / Fanfare

Arr. Philip Sparke. Par HENRY VIII. The English king, Henry VIII (1491-1547), is mainly remembered for disposing of his wives on a regular basis and breaking with the Catholic Church when the Pope Clement VII refused to grant him a divorce so he could marry Anne Boleyn. As a young man he was a gifted athlete, dancer and composer, writing many songs, poems and consort pieces (though not Greensleeves, as is often believed). Pastime with Good Company is undoubtedly the best-known of these, written in the first years of the 16th century while he was still a handsome prince, newly married to Catherine of Aragon and the envy of Europe. The lyrics tell of the joys of hunting, dancing and singing and would have been sungas part of the court entertainment. This arrangement features a quartet of soloists and two solo drummers. / Niveau : 3 / Répertoire / Fanfare

Arr. Timothy Johnson. Par MOZART WOLFGANG AMADEUS. 'Melody is the very essence of music. ' -W. A. Mozart (1786)Mozart confirmed this view on melody by writing the Ave Verum Corpus near theend of his short life. Originally written for chorus, strings, and organ, this work standsamong the most beautiful musical expressions of all time. Timothy Johnson has skillfullymade Mozart's wondrous achievement available to concert bands. It's perfect forworship services and the sostenuto style, with careful attention to dynamics, makesit a great choice for that 'middle' spot at festival or for the more serious moment atany performance. Given the opportunity, young bands LOVE to play truly greatmusic, and it just doesn't getmuch better than the mastery of Mozart. / Niveau : 2 / Musique pour célébration / Répertoire / Fanfare

Par MURTHA PAUL (Arr.). Get your sea shanty on with his well-known whaling song from New Zealand. Featuring a catchy melody passed around the band and a timely key change, this is fun and effective for the stands or field./ Répertoire / Marching Band