Der Kampf mit dem Drachen

Der Kampf mit dem Drachen

Is based on the poem by Friedrich von Schiller.

In this poem he describes the battle with his own ego. He wins,  but as it wasn’t a fair fight, he won by trickery and cunning, he has to account for his deeds. “judge not until you have evaluated”  is an adage that is appropriate to this work. The main theme “der Ritter, hoch zu Ross” the anti-hero, the ego, is played by the trombone section. The music follows the general drift of the story. Firstly the fact that the knight is fighting against the dragon (his own ego), later on his accounting to his conscience, and then the story of how he rediscovers his true self, in the form of a romantic melody, which takes the form of a flashback. The work ends with reconciliation, begging for grace and forgiveness, and then the embracing of the one who was cast out. His ego has been defeated. An appropriate saying to describe this would be “He is no longer too big for his boots”.

Demo Score: ➞ Der Kampf mit dem Drachen 

Publisher: → Bronsheim Music

Royal Entrance

Royal Entrance

St. Michaël’s Hymne

Composed for Queens day 2011 in the Netherlands for the brass ensemble of Symphonic Wind Orchestra St. Michael of Thorn. In 2012 the piece was re-orchetrated for wind band for the 150th anniversary of  Symphonic Wind Orchestra St. Michael of Thorn.

The piece starts with a short introduction. Afterward the main theme is presented, which is based on the association song of Symphonic Wind Band St. Michael of Thorn. After this majestic theme a short variation on motifs followed by the great reprise of the main theme. The piece ends with a short but fantastic coda.

Demo score:  → Royal Entrance (ensemble version), → Royal Entrance (version for wind band)

Publisher: Janssen Music

For ordering, please fill in the →contact form.


Old Man of Hoy

Old Man of Hoy

A musical description of “The Old Man of Hoy”, a 137 meter high sandstone pillar on a volcanic foot, situated on the Scottish Island of Hoy.

Hoy is the 2nd largest of the Orkney Islands. These islands, to the north-east of Scotland, are very windy. Many birds breed on the sheer cliffs surrounding “The Old Man of Hoy.

Recording: by Fanfare Orkest “De Hoop” Stellendam (NL) – conducted by Arie Stolk.

Full Recording: CD ➞ “Tarass Boulba”

Demo Score: ➞ Old Man of Hoy 

Publisher: → Bronsheim Music

Concerto for Band

Concerto for Band

The inspiration for this four part work came from past masters.

The first movement is inspired by the music of John Adams. It is light footed with playful elements alternated by  spirited rhythmic passages.

Bela Bartok was the source of inspiration for the second movement. A melody in folk style is supported by a rhythmic ostinato.

In the third movement I was inspired by Shostakovitch. A quiet and lullaby like motif develops from a simple rhythmic accompaniment of notes which are close together.

The final movement is effervescent and has Iberian influences as in the works of Darius Milhaud. It is  virtuoso and rousing.

Whilst not wishing to imitate the above mentioned composers I have tried to compose a solo work for Wind Band, in which each section is fully exploited.

Recording: by Musique Militaire Grand-Ducale, Luxembourg (L) – conducted by Major Andre Reichling.

Full Recording: CD ➞ “Respighiana”.

Demo Score: ➞ Concerto for Band 

Publisher: → Bronsheim Music