A colorful intermezzo for wind or fanfare band commissioned by the Band of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee.
After a short opening the horn solo plays the main theme. After the first theme follows a solemn choral which develops into a fusion between the main theme and the choral, with a smooth and connecting 3rd theme.
Useful as an intermezzo during a concert.
Fanfare band version Recorded by Band of the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee.
“Revived” was commissioned by “Royal Military Wind Band Johan Willem Friso” (NL) in cooperation with “WMC Kerkrade” on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of “Muziekcentrale Adams” in Thorn (NL).
The aim was to give the various orchestras around the world affected by the Covid19 pandemic new hope, élan and perspective in the form of a composition that could also be performed by smaller subensembles. In this way, despite the Covid19 restrictions, the orchestras can make music together again.
“Revived” can be performed separately by;
Clarinet choir
Flutes, oboe(s), bassoon(s), saxes & contrabass
Brass & percussion
Wind band (All ensemble versions combined)
Also, the overture is available in two different levels of difficulty:
Grade 3
Grade 4/5
A short but vibrant overture that hopefully will give pleasure to many sub-ensembles and orchestras all over the world.
“Der Arme Poet” (painted 1839) in is the most popular painting by the German Painter Carl Spitzweg.
In 1839, Spitzweg was a beginning artist who in the 1830s lived for a long time on the top floor of a house in old Munich, from which he wrote in one of his letters: “The view is great, the roofs resemble a large mountain range, with the chimneys and attic windows like ruins and castles”.
The influence of the Biedermeier style is easily recognizable in the painting. The typical pursuit of a bourgeois bohemian existence is reflected in the various attributes. In combination with the poor environment the whole gives a parodical appearance.
The poems that were once thought to have eternal value are sacrificed to the stove as soon as they can provide some warmth.
Characteristic of the painting is the quill that holds the poet clamped between his teeth, indicating that he continues his work unrelentingly.
Above his bed you can see a hexameter scheme, which indicates the meter of verse. Next to his bed is a stack of classical books with inscriptions such as “Gradus ad Parnassum”, which represent the high ideals of the artist.
Between his fingers he seems to crush a flea, which expresses the banality of the situation.
Rembrandt’s Night Watch has already moved many people.
Whether it is the beautiful “clair-obscure” or simply the “moving” scene of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq and his men, the fact remains that the painting continues to attract you.
In this Night Watch Rhapsody I tried to translate the scene, as well as the many hues, as if the painting were being painted on the spot.
An important role is therefore reserved for the soloist on E-flat clarinet, who takes on the role of Rembrandt and, together with the orchestra – in which the orchestra does not merely take on the accompaniment – tries to bring the Night Watch to life.
This work was composed and dedicated to the E-flat clarinet soloist of the wind orchestra of the Royal Belgian Guides (Belgium), David van Maele
“Ein Winzer Spiel” (a winery piece for windband) was commissioned by the Family Fritz Keller (Kaiserstuhl, Germany) for the 200 year anniversary of the Winzerkapelle Oberbergen im Kaiserstuhl, in which a number of characteristic elements of the “Kaiserstuhl” wine region and the Oberbergen district are highlighted.
This suite consists of 3 contrasting parts.
1. The Kaiserstuhl
An impression of the beautiful landscape with its rich history. In the middle of this part a specific part from “Kaiserstuhl” is highlighted, namely “Die Oberbergener Bassgeige” an area around the village Oberbergen in the form of a double bass (hence the name) in which high-quality vine culture takes place.
2. The St. Mauritius Kirche
The St. Mauritius Church is an inseparable part of Oberbergen, a beacon of peace and reflection.
3. The Winzerspiele
A playful final part of this suite in which the cozy and competitive wine festivals are illustrated in the form of a Waltz. The “Oberbergener Weinlied” is added here as an additional illustrative element to the uplifting nature of this part.
Based on the beautiful text (in Limburgian language) by lyricist Frans Pollux “75 Jaor Vreej”, I wrote a composition with the same title (of approx. 11 minutes) in several versions and combinations and perfomable in all possible local dialects of Limburg.
This wonderful assignment was given to me by a joint initiative of Limburgse Bond Van Muziekgezelschappen, VNK Limburg, Limburgse Bond van Tamboerkorpsen i.s.m. House for the Arts Limburg.
A very great way to contribute to the Limburg language and musical culture.
“75 Jaor Vreej” – Windband version (Full Midi Demo)
…is the 4th part from “→ Remount” and is based on the cavalry poem.
Fiddlers’ Green
Halfway down the trail to Hell, In a shady meadow green Are the Souls of all dead Troopers camped, Near a good old-time canteen. And this eternal resting place Is known as Fiddlers’ Green.
Marching past, straight through to Hell The Infantry are seen Accompanied by the Engineers, Artillery and Marines, For none but the shades of Cavalrymen Dismount at Fiddler’s Green.
Though some go curving down the trail To seek a warmer scene. No Trooper ever gets to Hell Ere he’s emptied his canteen. And so rides back to drink again With friends at Fiddlers’ Green.
Remount is based on the eponymous story of James D. Newton, about the impressive experiences as a soldier during Word War 2.
Remount is an old cavalry term. The noun describes a “fresh horse”. The intransitive verb means “to mount again”. And mount again is the story as recalled by James D. Newton after all these years.
This work was commissioned by “Koninklijke Oude Harmonie van Eijsden (NL)” – for celebrating 75 years of liberation after World War 2 and it is dedicated to the heroes who liberated us.
The work consists of five parts:
Yesterday, 1944 – ‘Move out!’
Die graue Tagen und lange Nachten – Fall Campaign
The Bulge – ‘Remount’
Fiddlers’ Green – the cavalry poem
The day after yesterday, 1945 – ‘Dismount’ – Liberty
Halfway down the trail to Hell, In a shady meadow green Are the Souls of all dead Troopers camped, Near a good old-time canteen. And this eternal resting place Is known as Fiddlers’ Green.
Marching past, straight through to Hell The Infantry are seen Accompanied by the Engineers, Artillery and Marines, For none but the shades of Cavalrymen Dismount at Fiddler’s Green.
Though some go curving down the trail To seek a warmer scene. No Trooper ever gets to Hell Ere he’s emptied his canteen. And so rides back to drink again With friends at Fiddlers’ Green.
Choral Intermezzo / Windband / Digital Set€ 66,00 excl. VAT
