Par CURNOW JAMES. Based on Marc-Antoine Charpentier's (1634-1704) Te Deum, Fanfare and Flourishes for a Festive Occasion was originally commissioned for the 1991 European Brass Band Championships held in Rotterdam, Holland. / Niveau : 4 / Ouverture / Répertoire / Fanfare

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.

John has skillfully used a variety of styles and tempos in creating this very effective opener/production number. The opening section is fast and furious before switching to a medium swing groove. There is even a brief bump andgrind before returning to the fast tempo and ending with a flourish!

Shadowplay and Storm-The sensational music from Cirque du Soleil's KA grabs our attention immediately with a crescendo from delicate woodwinds to full band fury. The show is then propelled forward with “Storm ” in a showcase of your band'smusicianship and intensity. A final tempo burst adds a flourish of velocity to this stunning opener.

When NBC obtained the broadcast rights for the Sunday night NFL game they commissioned John Willliams to compose the new theme music. With characteristic brass flourishes and dynamic drum writing these three powerful fanfares are guaranteed to rock the stands!