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 / Fanfare

Par VAN BELCUM HENK. As the title suggests, this work is a partita: it consists of a number of variations on a chorale melody. The partita has been popular for centuries, especially when it comes to organ music. Henk van Belcum, who is active in the choir world, chose for his Partita Piccola the German hymn Wunderbarer König as a starting point. Partita Piccola consists of four variations and a choral setting. After a majestic opening fanfare, the second variation follows, based on a canon by Pachelbel. Händel’s Sarabande is the basis of the third variation. Next comes the chorale setting, after which the work ends festively with a dance that has been written in the form of a courante. PartitaPiccola is an asset for church services and for concert platforms. / Niveau : 2.5 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Fanfare

Arr. Peter Kleine Schaars. The sisters Ruth, Anita and June Pointer from West Oakland in California learned how to sing in the sixties in church where their father was a minister. At the beginning of the 1970s they entered the music business, where they proved to have a mastery of many styles - including rhythm & blues, jazz, and country. However, the Pointer Sisters acquired international fame at the beginning of the eighties with their soul-like pop music. A great hit was the up-tempo number I’m So Excited, which is still a success on every dance floor. This sparkling arrangement by Peter Kleine Schaars certainly provides the excitement that is suggested in the title. / Niveau : 3 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Fanfare

Arr. Klaas Van Der Woude. Since his first successes in the 1990s the amiable popular singer Frans Bauer has grown into a megastar in the Netherlands. In Germany, too, he has a great number of fans. Although he is derided by many because of his schmalzy style, Frans Bauer sells CDs galore, attracts full houses everywhere and can be viewed in his own reality soap on television. In 2004 he was even awarded a Gouden Harp (Gold Harp), which is the most important prize within Dutch music. It is presented to artists and composers who have promoted Dutch light music in their own unique way during their career. The cheery singalong Heb je even voor mij (Got a Minute for Me) is a great top hit: a winner in everypub and at parties. This arrangement by Klaas van der Woude willput the musicians as well as the audience in a happy mood. / Niveau : 2.5 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Fanfare

St. Michael. Par BOURGEOIS LOUIS. The French composer Louis Bourgeois lived from c. 1510 to 1560. Bourgeois was cantor in Geneva and, commissioned by John Calvin, he composed melodies for metrical (rhyming) versions of the psalms. After completing about a hundred one-part psalms, he made some four-part arrangements, which were denounced and even resulted in his imprisonment for a day. Later, Bourgeois published a number of psalm collections, and judging from his book Le droict chemin de musique he was also an excellent educator. The melodies Bourgeois composed, are (contrary to Gregorian chants) particularly suitable for community singing. This applies to his hymn tune Saint Michael, which is why this melody hasbeen used for various texts, written for many occasions. John Blanken made this arrangement for a wedding ceremony: an occasion in which faith and trust play a large - if not the largest - role. Hence the title Hymn of Faith. The arrangement contains four verses of the hymn. After a majestic opening the hymn follows twice, the second verse being embellished in the tenor register. After a short interlude verse three follows, played by a quartet. The majestic opening is then repeated as a modulation into the fourth verse, which concludes the work in a brilliant tutti. / Niveau : 3 / Hymnes et chorals / Répertoire / Fanfare

Meditation on 'Quem Pastores Laudavere'. Par TRADITIONAL. Carol of the Shepherds is based on the hymn tune 'Quem Pastores Laudavere' which dates back to the 14th century and is widely known throughout the Christian world. Although the melody has been set to a number of different texts in different countries it was originally a carol celebrating the Christmas story, in particular the visit of the Angel Gabriel to the shepherds. / Niveau : 3 / Musique pour célébration / Répertoire / Fanfare

Meditation on 'Quem Pastores Laudavere'. Par TRADITIONAL. Carol of the Shepherds is based on the hymn tune 'Quem Pastores Laudavere' which dates back to the 14th century and is widely known throughout the Christian world. Although the melody has been set to a number of different texts in different countries it was originally a carol celebrating the Christmas story, in particular the visit of the Angel Gabriel to the shepherds. / Niveau : 3 / Musique pour célébration / Répertoire / Fanfare

From the hottest movie soundtrack to come along in years, here is the dynamic opening number from The Greatest Showman. The opening anthem-like strains lead to an up-tempo chorus with plenty of excitement and drive. / Partitions classique / Ensemble et orchestre / Ensemble vents / HAL LEONARD