Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. From Ancient Times est une oeuvre de grande envergure, qui puise dans la musique franco-flamande de la Renaissance. La trame s’appuie sur quelques principes et techniques d’écriture caractéristiques de cette école qui a profondément transformé la musique occidentale. On y trouve également des réminiscences grégoriennes et une danse médiévale, mais le langage sonore reste essentiellement moderne. From Ancient Times est un sublime hommage aux maîtres des temps anciens. / Niveau : 6 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Anton Bruckner (1824-1896). Par BRUCKNER ANTON / DOSS THOMAS (Arr.). Anton Bruckner (b. 4.9.1824, Ansfelden, d. 11.10.1896, Vienna) didn?t have it easy. Throughout his life, the Austrian composer was plagued by self-doubt. Anton Bruckner came from a simple, rural background. After the death of his father, he was accepted as a choirboy at the monastery of Sankt Florian in 1837. After several years as a school assistant and his own organ and piano studies, he first worked as organist in St. Florian, then from 1855 as cathedral organist in Linz. Introduced to music theory and instrumentation by Simon Sechter and Otto Kitzler, he discovered Richard Wagner as an artistic role model, whom he admired throughout his life and also visited several times in Bayreuth. In 1868 Anton Bruckner became professor of basso continuo, counterpoint and organ at the Vienna Conservatory; ten years later court organist; and in 1891 finally honorary doctor of the University of Vienna. He was considered an important organ virtuoso of his era, but had to wait a long time for recognition as a composer. It was not until Symphony No.7 in E major, composed between 1881 and 1883, with the famous Adagio written under the effects of Wagner's death, that he achieved the recognition he had hoped for, even if he was reluctant to accept it given his inclination towards scepticism and self-criticism. Anton Bruckner was a loner who did not want to follow a particular school or doctrine. He composed numerous sacred vocal works, such as his three masses, the Missa Solemnis in B flat minor (1854), the Te Deum (1881-84) and numerous motets. As a symphonic composer, he wrote a total of nine symphonies and many symphonic studies from 1863 onwards, tending to revise completed versions several times over. Bruckner's orchestral works were long considered unplayable, but in fact were merely exceptionally bold for the tonal language of their time, uniting traditions from Beethoven through Wagner to folk music, on the threshold between late Romanticism and Modernism. Anton Bruckner composed about 40 motets during his lifetime, the earliest a setting of Pange lingua around 1835, and the last, Vexilla regis, in 1892. Thomas Doss has compiled some of these motets in this volume for symphonic wind orchestra. These motets show many characteristics of personal expression, especially Bruckner's colourful harmony in the earlier works, which is in places aligned with Franz Schubert (changes between major and minor; and movements in thirds). Later works are characterised by many components which, in addition to the expanded stature of the movements, include above all a sense of the instrumentation as an outward phenomenon and the harmony as a compositional feature that works more internally. Some aspects of Bruckner's work are the result of his long period of study, which familiarised him not only with the tradition of his craft, but also gave him insights into the 'modernity' of his time in such composers as Wagner, Liszt and Berlioz. From this developed his personal standpoint, which always pursues the connection between the old and the new. / Date parution : 2023-08-12/ Répertoire / Concert Band/Harmonie

Par CURNOW JAMES. At times intimate and reflective, at times boisterous and unrelenting, this uplifting new work by James Curnow was inspired by the biblical story of Job and his “never give up” attitude. The old spiritual Balm in Gilead is incorporated as the piece takes us through tribulation and solace, turmoil and relief. The full spectrum of orchestration from rich, dark Brasses to flashing Woodwinds, and some small solo recitatives create contrast in density as well as mood. There is a great deal to appreciate in the scoring and construction of this piece as you prepare for performance. / Niveau : 3 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Anton Bruckner (1824-1896). Par BRUCKNER ANTON / DOSS THOMAS (Arr.). As a symphonic composer, Bruckner wrote a total of nine symphonies and many symphonic studies from 1863 onwards, tending to revise completed versions several times over. Bruckner's orchestral works were long considered unplayable, but in fact were merely exceptionally bold for the tonal language of their time, uniting traditions from Beethoven through Wagner to folk music, on the threshold between late Romanticism and Modernism. Hymns for four-part mixed choir a cappella (1846, St. Florian) No. 1 in E flat major (WAB 41/3): Quite Slow No. 2 in C major (WAB 41/4): Andante No. 3 in B flat major (WAB 41/1): Slow No. 4 in A flat major (WAB 41/2): Slow Hymn for five-part (2 S, A, T, B) mixed choir and organ No. 5 in D major: Solemnly They are simple works, completely subordinate to their liturgical use, which nevertheless already show numerous characteristics of personal expression. These small pieces were able to stand up to the harsh scrutiny of the mature master: in 1888, Bruckner subjected them to a revision in which he made only minor corrections. / Date parution : 2023-08-12/ Répertoire / Concert Band/Harmonie

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. Sinfonia Hungarica est une oeuvre de commande pour l’Orchestre d’Harmonie de Kiskunfelegyhaze en Hongrie. Elle est dédiée à Ferenc Jankovski (Directeur de l’Orchestre d’Harmonie), Jozsef Ficsor (Maire de la ville de Kiskunfelegyhaze) et Gabriella Kiss. Cette symphonie en trois mouvements retrace l’histoire de la Hongrie. L’ensemble des trois mouvements s’inspire de la vie de personnages historiques clés, de guerres et d’autres événements de grande importance qui ont marqué l’histoire de ce pays. Sinfonia Hungarica célèbre le millénaire de la fondation de l’État hongrois (1001-2001). L’oeuvre a été donnée en création mondiale, le 31 mars 2001 à Budapest, par l’Orchestre d’Harmonie de Kiskunfelegyhaze placé sous la direction du compositeur. ATTILA, roi des Huns, surnommé “le Fléau de Dieu”, est le personnage central du premier mouvement où règne une atmosphère de peur, de menace, d’agression et de cruauté. Bléda, le frère d’Attila, est associé à un thème aux accents plus héroïques, tandis que Kerka, l’épouse bien-aimée du roi des Huns, est représentée par une mélodie lyrique. La fin trépidante de ce mouvement d’ouverture illustre l’effroyable rapidité avec laquelle les troupes d’Attila poursuivaient et tuaient toutes leurs victimes. Le deuxième mouvement est centré sur ARPAD, le fondateur de l’État hongrois. Un passage limpide et aérien ouvre ce mouvement évoquant Émèse, la grand-mère d’Arpad, qui vit en rêve sa destinée future. Après avoir livré bataille contre l’un de ses opposants, le prince bulgare Zalan, et l’avoir chassé des terres magyares, Arpad donne officiellement au territoire le nom de Magyarorszag. Le troisième et dernier mouvement de la symphonie porte le nom de celui qui convertit le pays au christianisme : Étienne Ier ( ISTVAN ), sacré roi de Hongrie le 1er janvier 1001 par le Pape Sylvestre II. Les mesures d’ouverture, solennelles et majestueuses, mènent à un passage dont l’atmosphère belliqueuse s’intensifie pour s’achever en de violents fracas symbolisant la mort / Niveau : 6 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. Sinfonia Hungarica est une oeuvre de commande pour l’Orchestre d’Harmonie de Kiskunfelegyhaze en Hongrie. Elle est dédiée à Ferenc Jankovski (Directeur de l’Orchestre d’Harmonie), Jozsef Ficsor (Maire de la ville de Kiskunfelegyhaze) et Gabriella Kiss. Cette symphonie en trois mouvements retrace l’histoire de la Hongrie. L’ensemble des trois mouvements s’inspire de la vie de personnages historiques clés, de guerres et d’autres événements de grande importance qui ont marqué l’histoire de ce pays. Sinfonia Hungarica célèbre le millénaire de la fondation de l’État hongrois (1001-2001). L’oeuvre a été donnée en création mondiale, le 31 mars 2001 à Budapest, par l’Orchestre d’Harmonie de Kiskunfelegyhaze placé sous la direction du compositeur. ATTILA, roi des Huns, surnommé “le Fléau de Dieu”, est le personnage central du premier mouvement où règne une atmosphère de peur, de menace, d’agression et de cruauté. Bléda, le frère d’Attila, est associé à un thème aux accents plus héroïques, tandis que Kerka, l’épouse bien-aimée du roi des Huns, est représentée par une mélodie lyrique. La fin trépidante de ce mouvement d’ouverture illustre l’effroyable rapidité avec laquelle les troupes d’Attila poursuivaient et tuaient toutes leurs victimes. Le deuxième mouvement est centré sur ARPAD, le fondateur de l’État hongrois. Un passage limpide et aérien ouvre ce mouvement évoquant Émèse, la grand-mère d’Arpad, qui vit en rêve sa destinée future. Après avoir livré bataille contre l’un de ses opposants, le prince bulgare Zalan, et l’avoir chassé des terres magyares, Arpad donne officiellement au territoire le nom de Magyarorszag. Le troisième et dernier mouvement de la symphonie porte le nom de celui qui convertit le pays au christianisme : Étienne Ier ( ISTVAN ), sacré roi de Hongrie le 1er janvier 1001 par le Pape Sylvestre II. Les mesures d’ouverture, solennelles et majestueuses, mènent à un passage dont l’atmosphère belliqueuse s’intensifie pour s’achever en de violents fracas symbolisant la mort / Niveau : 6 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

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 CURNOW JAMES. Grand vistas appear before the listener as this majestic and expansive piece unfolds. At times introspective and yet sweeping in compass, James Curnow's PROCLAMATION is an ennobling musical statement. Exquisite orchestration exploring the myriad timbres available to the concert/symphonic band makes it a perfect choice for festival. Reverent, descriptive, colorful; PROCLAMATION is an uplifting experience you won't want to miss. / Niveau : 4 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

The Girl from Ipanema | One Note Samba | Meditation | Desafinado | No More Blues. Par JOBIM ANTONIO CARLOS / WESTBY OIVIND (Arr.). Øivind Westby has written a number of excellent but demanding instrumental arrangements for Concert Band. In the present one, he has transcribed five of the most famous by Antonio Carlos Jobim. Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim (1927-1994) grew up near Ipanema, the famous beach in Rio de Janeiro. His big break through and most creative period came in the 50?s and 60?s which gave him the status as the greatest Brazilian composer of all times. Together with Stan Getz and João and Astrud Gilberto he recorded one of the best selling jazz-albums of all times, an album which feature several of his most famous compositions. His inspiration includes another Brazilian great; Pixinguinha, but also classical composers like Frederick Chopin and Claude Debussy. He died in NYC in 1994 after composing approx. 400 works. He is recognized all over the world as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. / Date parution : 2023-10-31/ Répertoire / Concert Band