Par DE HAAN JACOB. This musical fantasy depicts the history of the Dutch fortified town of Elburg. The work begins with an atmospheric medieval picture of the Convent of St Agnes, the nunnery that was built in the first half of the 15th century. We hear the sound of the convent bells together with an upward motif, which will reappear later in the work. Next, the rest of Elburg is featured, including the fortress - from which the bells of the Sint-Nicolaaskerk (Saint Nicholas Church) are ringing. Then, cheerful sounds can be heard at the Vischpoort (Fish Gate), where a dancing group is performing a 16th century French folk dance (a branle des chevaux). We also hear old wagons rumbling over the town’scobble stones. Trade made this Hanseatic town a lively place. The repetitive upward motif first heard in the introduction now develops into a more distinct feature, reflecting the mercantile spirit of the town residents. Then follows the slow middle movement, in which the clock has been turned back to the time when Elburg was still lying on the Zuiderzee (which was a bay of the North Sea), and was struggling with floods. After the second St. Marcellus Flood (1362) and the water flood of 1367 it was decided that the town would be relocated. We now hear the theme of branle des chevaux in a minor key, followed by a death bell sounding in remembrance of the drowned citizens of the former town. Back in our own time, a slow, expressive theme in Baroque style mirrors Elburg’s tranquil places, such as the Feithenhof (Feithen Court) and the Weduwenhofje (Widow Court). Then the bustle returns with motifs from the introduction, followed by an attractive theme in which present-day Elburg is portrayed with its many tourists. Now, suddenly, there is an echo from the past, depicting the dramatic floods and wars that once plagued the town. This leads to the grand closing theme: branle des chevaux is heard for a final time from the perspective of the historic town centre. / Niveau : 4 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Fanfare

Arr. Peter Kleine Schaars. This medley has been inspired by Peter Kleine Schaars’ previous experience that every concert should end with a selection of unbeatable melodies. With this in mind Peter Kleine Schaars has chosen some of his favourite pop songs and combined them to form this lively medley. Hits include That’s the Way I Like It, Boogie Down, One Day I’ll Fly Away, Fantasy and Street Life. A fantastic way to bring any concert to a close. / Niveau : 4 / Pop and rock / Recueil / 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

Par SCHAARS PETER KLEINE. Melodia Blues, a swinging composition by PeterKleine Schaars begins with a robust intro. Fourbars follow, which can be repeated ad lib. toallow for an optional announcement (this is theso-called VAMP). The blues theme follows alongwith two written-out improvisations. These can beexpanded - depending on the resources withinyour band. After a richly scored reprise of thetheme, the sparkling final chords close the piece instyle. Bring a great jazz feel to any concert withthis fine new work. Grade 3 / Niveau : 3 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Fanfare

from Sing 2. Par STRUTS THE / HOLT JACK (Arr.). Originally recorded in 2013 by English rock band the Struts, this driving hit has continued its rise in popularity through usages in TV and advertising. It was most recently performed by Halsey in the hit movie Sing 2. / Date parution : 2022-07-28/ Répertoire / Fanfare

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. 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. / Niveau : 4 / Marche de concert / Répertoire / Fanfare

Elegy For Band. Par SPARKE PHILIP. The initial idea was for a millennium piece, which it is, but rather than add to the many celebratory pieces that have understandably been written to salute the 3rd millennium, Philip Sparke thought it would perhaps be appropriate to think about the aspects of life that are constantly with us (such as faith and philosophy) rather than the exciting changes that the year 2000 has undeniably wrought. This calm meditative work will bring a moment of serenity and reflection to any concert. / Niveau : 4 / Musique pour célébration / 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

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. This suite was composed by Jan Van der Roost on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of the ‘Koninklijke Sint Martinusfanfare’ (Royal Saint Martinus Fanfare Band) from Halle (Belgium). The composer was required to create a suite in three movements based on three images associated with the ‘Sint Martinusfanfare’ from the small town of Halle in the province of Brabant. The first movement (Andante Pomposo) describes Martin, a soldier in the Roman army. In Andante Moderato we see the image of Martin, who become a Christian and chooses to devote his life to God. In this movement, the composer was inspired by the Brabantine gothic art of the Sint Martinus Basilica in Halle. Thecontrast between the dark Basilica and the statue of Our Lady between the soaring pillars will vividly come to life for audiences of this descriptive piece. The final movement, Allegro Molto Vivace’, could have been an image for a frivolous peasant in the Halle carnival. In a triptych about St. Martin it is more fitting to refer to it as an apotheosis, the crown on the pastoral work of Martin, Bishop of Tours, Patron Saint of the Fanfare Band and the Basilica of Halle. / Niveau : 4 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Fanfare