Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. In the course of the two centuries following the death of Henry Purcell in 1695, no British composer of any statue was apparent. Consequently, the break-through of Edward Elgar (1857-1934) as an internationally known and respected composer at the end of the last century, was of considerable importance. As a composer Elgar was largely self-taught and he looked towards the continent for his inspiration. He is without doubt on par with his contemporaries such as the somewhat younger Richard Strauss. The Belgian composer Jan Van der Roost is a genuine admirer of Elgar’s music and on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the composer’s death in 1984 he composed the “CeremonialMarch”. Van der Roost was inspired by the most famous and frequently played works from Elgar’s catalogue of works, the characteristic “Pomp and Circumstances” marches, and decided to add his own, sixth march to the existing collection. / Niveau : 5 / Marche / Répertoire / Fanfare

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. This hymn was commissioned by “Antwerpen 93”. And this city, on the banks of the river Schelde has been nominated “Cultural Capital of Europe” for 1993. The work-group “animatie” took the initiative and commissioned a hymn, which -as the finale to a grand open-air event on 27th March- was premièred by hundreds of musicians from all over Europe. Philippe Langlet (France) was the conductor at this majestic occasion. Musically speaking the piece can no doubt be labeled easy. Indeed it is meant to represent a hymn, playable by all in different instrumental combinations. Consequently a variable instrumentation was chosen and a type of music, which by native is easily accessible anduncomplicated. The conductor is free -in the instrumentation- to score this piece according to his own taste. It is perhaps advisable to use the sharp brass in the forte parts, in order to make the range in the sound of the orchestra as colouful as possible. The percussion parts are not absolutely essential, so that the hymn can also be performed without percussion. / Niveau : 2 / Musique pour célébration / Répertoire / Fanfare