Contrasto Grosso est une suite dansante en trois mouvements de caractères et de styles variés. Le titre de l?œuvre dérive du terme concerto grosso une forme musicale dont la structure se caractérise par une instrumentation alternant les passages orchestraux en tutti et les passages instrumentaux joués par des groupes solistes. Le changement de couleurs sonores et la diversité des nuances obtenus par cette alternance donnent à l?œuvre une expressivité très contrastée. Dans chacun des trois mouvements de cette œuvre Jacob de Haan confie à de petits groupes solistes l?interprétation de fragments écrits dans le style de la musique de laRenaissance et qui offrent ainsi un contraste saisissant avec les passages en tutti basés sur une écriture classique ou traditionnelle.

Perfect for a presentation of your band at a concert or a presentation on a (music) school. The orchestra and the various sections introduce themselves to the public. A wonderful showpiece for your band to the public! Ideaal voor een presentatie van uw orkest op een concert of presentatie op een (muziek)school. Het orkest en de diverse secties stellen zich voor aan het publiek. Een presentator (m/v) kan iedere sectie wel of niet met naam en toenaam introduceren en geeft daarmee een prachtig visitekaartje van uw orkest aan het publiek!

Arsenal was composed for the 50th anniversary of the ‘Harmonie van het Spoorwegarsenaal’[railroad arsenal] based in Mechelen (Belgium). Rather a stately concert march it has beautiful themes and a broad melody in the trio. It was premiered in the Mechelen Cultural Center on the 11th of May 1996 during the solemn ceremony opening the anniversary year and conducted by the composer. In the mean time Arsenal has been recorded several times by such renowed performers like the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra the Black Dyke BB etc.

Arsenal was composed for the 50th anniversary of the ‘Harmonie van het Spoorwegarsenaal’[railroad arsenal] based in Mechelen (Belgium). Rather a stately concert march it has beautiful themes and a broad melody in the trio. It was premiered in the Mechelen Cultural Center on the 11th of May 1996 during the solemn ceremony opening the anniversary year and conducted by the composer. In the mean time Arsenal has been recorded several times by such renowed performers like the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra the Black Dyke BB etc.

Solo for Baritone Saxophone or Eb Bass with high humorous content. The soloist tries in an entertaining dialogue with the orchestra to prevail. During the work in a musical way appears an conflict with the xylophone the orchestra makes an end to the debate with a melodious final chord. A must for your concert! Solowerkje voor Baritonsaxofoon of Es Bas met een hoog humoristisch gehalte. De solist(e) probeert in een onderhoudende dialoog met het orkest de boventoon te voeren. Gedurende het werk ontstaat er een muzikaal conflict met de xylofoon het orkest maakt een eind aan de discussie met een welluidend slotakkoord. Een aanrader voor uw concert!

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.

Oxygen (2004) is a short composition for fanfare orchestra constructed with elements from rock and popular music.The composer used funky rhythms jazzy harmonies and pulsating rock to illuminate the fanfare band from a different angle.The music demands a groove from the percussion section and the wind players are asked to use playing techniques from light music. And for this all the performers and audience alike need a good supply of oxygen.

A Yiddish theme is by the composer at a very spectacular way developed into an amazing concert bouncer. Van der Reijden's experience as a trumpeter and arranger of the Klezmer Band Di Gojim 'comes in handy. A great work full of challenge for all sections of the orchestra

La plupart des pays ayant institué la tradition des musiques militaires ont développé un style de marche caractéristique. Ainsi il est relativement aisé de distinguer une marche américaine d?une marche militaire française ou une marche allemande d?une marche espagnole. À l?intérieur du cadre structurel rigide d?une marche on réussit à percevoir même les plus subtiles différences de rythme d?harmonie et de tempo qui caractérisent les traditions de chaque pays.Il existe un ou plus exactement deux styles de marche typiquement anglais : celui des marches militaires représenté par des compositeurs tels que Kenneth J. Alford et celui des marches cérémonielles ou de concert quiatteindra l?excellence avec les marches orchestrales d?Elgar et Walton entre autres.Royal Salute (?Salut royal?) est une marche de difficulté moyenne qui perpétue cette grande tradition. On y retrouve des éléments typiques : des mélodies et contremélodies amples et un trio nobilmente.