Arr. Otto M. Schwarz. Par PRAETORIUS MICHAEL. The many sided and productive Michael Praetorius (1571-1621) is knwon as a composer of dance music, sacred music and music for the advent and Christmas time. He worked as Kapelmeister to the court at Wolffenbuttel, but he was also asked to serve in other places, includin Dresden. Praetorius was valued for the new impulses he gave to music by means of his use of instrumental accompaniment. His main contribution is his theoretical work 'Syntagma Musicum', one of the most important musical refernce books, in connection with instruments and instrumentation in the early 17th Century. 'Es ist ein ros entsprungen' is a well known ancient melody which has inspired numerous composers andarrangers througout the Centuries. Otto M. Schwarz has made a choral arrangement. / Niveau : 2 / Musique religieuse / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. ‘Toccata Festiva’ was commissioned in 1994 by the Dutch Brass Band Championships. The wind band version was made a year later by the composer himself. Historically speaking, the toccata is considered to be one of the first independent instrumental forms for keyboard instruments. Originally the toccata was typically more or less improvised, later this musical form was given a more regulated structure. Both elements are used in the ‘Toccata Festiva’: on the one hand the different themes are developed freely, on the other, the piece has an orderly structure. It is in a three part form (quick-slow-quick) and includes both strong rhythmical figures and broad melodic lines. Partof the composition is written in a more or less archaic tone idiom, referring to the period from which the toccata form originates (16th century). / Niveau : 4 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Queen of Lake Malaren March. Par WIDQVIST VIKTOR. One of Viktor Widqvist's most well-known marches is undoubtedly Mälarrottningen. It was probably composed as early as the 1910s when he was serving in the engineering troops, but was published as late as 1950. The march's subtle minor tonality and the elegant runs in the woodwind bring to mind the wavy waters of Riddarfjärden in summertime. Mälardrottningen is just like the other marches by Widqvist composed for the old military band setting without saxophones. The big challenge has been to rearrange the music without changing the timbre and I have put a lot of emphasis on keeping the elegance and resilience of the original and therefore let some instruments pause in parts to get transparency in the timbre. The present arrangement reflects very well the composer's intentions and perception of timbre in new instrumentation for modern wind band. - Niclas Blixt / Date parution : 2023-07-31/ Répertoire / Marching Band

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. A spectacular dive via an extended chromatic scale immediately submerges us in a charged and somewhat archaic-feeling atmosphere. Trumpets, horns and trombones resound in rhythmic patterns, buttressed by restless motifs in the percussion. A second theme, in the woodwinds, begins much calmer but is quickly pushed aside by that same brass offensive. This introduction is the musical expression of the sometimes tumultuous early history of the town of Peer in Belgium. It closes with a D scale played over two octaves and repeated three times, symbolizing the church steeples that dominate the townscape. Peer has the credentials of a town, and people should know about it. There followsa rhythmic, turbulent passage: in the course of history, Peer has not been spared the ravages of war, arson, occupation, epidemic and other evils. In contrast, a slow, pastoral, lyrical part expresses the periods of peace and prosperity the town has known, as well as the serene geographic setting that still characterizes the place. Various instruments in groups are developed in solo style while the accompaniment displays vast, painterly images of sound. Now and then an exotic intonation is heard: a variety of peoples and cultures have left their mark on the town. This episode of tranquility and peacefulness comes to a sudden end when, via a surprising, almost chaotic transitional passage, we are in effect transported back to our own time. A hopeful, festive march expresses the confidence in the future that the Royal Concert Band of Peer exudes. This confidence is wholly justified: under the direction of conductor Willy Fransen, the 95 members of the concert band have experienced an extended period of good fortune, and the 75 musicians of the youth band - and the 45 little musicians of the mini-band - are involved in thriving operations. / Niveau : 6 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. This 4-movement suite is based on authentic folktunes from the beautiful southern province in France: the 'Provence'. The composer used an harmonic language respecting the popular characteristics, but on the other hand also contains some 'spicy' notes (. . . just like the wellknown 'Provençal sauce'! . . . ). The instrumentation is very colourful, paying a lot of attention to the different timbres of both brass and wood winds as well as to the percussion section. Every movement has its own character: 'Un Ange a fa la crido' (= An angel brought the creed / credo) is like a bourrée, 'Adam e sa Coumpagnou' (= Adam and his companion) is an old love song, 'Lou Fustié' (= the carpenter)a fast dance and finally 'Lis Escoubo' (= a whistle tune / popular ballad) is a farandole. In the latter, the old tradition of folk musicians who play a whistle with one hand and a drum with the other hand, is clearly represented during the first presentations of the one and only theme)Although this piece is not too demanding, a well balanced band is necessary to perform it successfully. Thanks to the contrasts and the varying colours, it keeps on holding the attention. / Niveau : 3 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par BALAZS ARPAD. Television viewers of nearly a hundred countries have experienced Árpád Balázs's touching melodies. The series of cartoons have neither dialogue nor text: the music presents the amiable and entertaining adventures of the rabbit with chequered ears and its friends. Balázs has rephrased and developed the well-known melodies and as a result a ''children's story symphony'' of seven movements has been created in which, in contrast with Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf, there is no narrator but the instruments themselves represent the story-tellers. The composer has again associated the groups of instruments with one another in a colourful and varied manner, skilfully alternating the modes of solo, chamber orchestra and orchestra. Movements I, II, IV and VII represent a ''short suite'' that can be independently performed, thus due to its duration of four minutes and easier level, ensembles with more modest opportunities can also perform it. The most well-known parts of the cartoon series music - the main title and the ending - are included in both versions./ Répertoire / Concert Band

Par BLANKEN JOHN. COME ONE AND ALL! Come see the great Circus Bamboni! This four movement work, with flexible four part instrumentation (+ Drum Kit), will amaze and charm you like no other. The first movement features the band as it tunes up and prepares for the show. Then the talented trapeze artists make an appearance as they fly through the sky high above the audience. The elephants parade around the ring with their very own Elephant Samba and the clowns follow leaving you in stitches! A thunderous chord and lots of applause bring the show to a breathtaking finale. / Niveau : 1.5 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie ou Fanfare

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. Minerva by Jan Van der Roost was composed on the commission of the German “Musikverein Braunshausen” on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the orchestra. The composition, first performed on September 17, 1999, is not a street march but a concert march, just like Mercury and Arsenal. The use and variation of different rhythmic patterns gives the first part of this march a distinctly dynamic character. Two main themes are presented in several instrumental combinations. The theme from the trio, on the other hand, is characterized by a broad melodic approach using large intervals. This theme, wreathed by high woodwinds, is heard one more time after a contrasting newpart, but now in a somewhat slower tempo. The counterpoint in this part refers to the first part of the march. The brilliant ending suits a festive anniversary march! / Niveau : 4 / Marche / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par HANNICKEL MIKE. This exciting medley of American spirituals is sure to please! Mike Hannickel's carefully crafted THREE AMERICAN SPIRITUALS helps young bands develop those all-important listening skills. They'll hear how each tune contrasts and complements the others when “Go Tell It On The Mountain”, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “Who did Swallow Jo-Jo-Jonah” all come together in rousing counterpoint! THREE AMERICAN SPIRITUALS works wonderfully with the unpredictable instrumentation of so many youth bands, while it's contrapuntal nature allows every section to shine. THREE AMERICAN SPIRITUALS allows each parent to say honestly to their child 'I HEARD you play your part!' / Niveau : 1.5 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Fanfare

Par HANNICKEL MIKE. This exciting medley of American spirituals is sure to please! Mike Hannickel's carefully crafted THREE AMERICAN SPIRITUALS helps young bands develop those all-important listening skills. They'll hear how each tune contrasts and complements the others when “Go Tell It On The Mountain”, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “Who did Swallow Jo-Jo-Jonah” all come together in rousing counterpoint! THREE AMERICAN SPIRITUALS works wonderfully with the unpredictable instrumentation of so many youth bands, while it's contrapuntal nature allows every section to shine. THREE AMERICAN SPIRITUALS allows each parent to say honestly to their child 'I HEARD you play your part!' / Niveau : 1.5 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Concert Band

From Coppelia Ballet. Par DELIBES LEO. French composer Léo Delibes (1836-1891) was primarily known for his operettas and short comic operas. He was also famous for the ballet Coppelia from which arranger Wil van der Beek has transcribed the czardas for concert band. Characteristic of this work and the music of Delibes' in general are rhythmic, alternating melodies. Another trademark of Delibes' work is the skilful choice of instrumentation, a facet which this transcription honors thoroughly. The piece is a succession of the various themes the composer uses to work towards a brilliant climax. / Niveau : 3 / Répertoire / Concert Band