Der Kampf mit dem Drachen
Music for Voices, Music for Wind Band

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
Music for Ensemble, Music for Wind Band,

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.

Passion in Harmony
Music for Ensemble,

Passion in Harmony

It’s hard to explain, how passion for music and harmony arises, experienced and is transmitted to fellow musicians. This often goes on feeling/intuition. By this intuition arises interaction between musicians, which again creates new inspiration. At the beginning of the piece there is a feeling/musical intuition. Because of the melody there is an interaction, which develops into a new melody/new inspiration.

Passion suggests the fun at a common hobby. Harmony can be explained in several way. In harmony (harmonious) , “harmonie” (the Dutch word for Wind Band), but also the harmony (in musical terms).

The first melody suggests creative thinking. The (musical) idea will be answered and is changing (the idea is elaborated). The second melody (Valse) suggests the continuity and the constant flow of new ideas. The Milonga in the last part is very suitable because it is the most emblematic existing tango. And the Tango is a dance of passion.

Instrumentation: Piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 bassoons, 3 clarinets (2 per part), bass clarinet, contrabass clarinet (opt.), 2 alto saxophones, 1 tenor saxophone, 1 baritone saxophone, string bass

Publisher: Janssen Music

Demo of the ensemble version is available on request.

For ordering, please fill in the → contact form.

Three Pieces for Oboe, Violin, Cello and Piano
Music for Ensemble,

Three Pieces for Oboe, Violin, Cello and Piano

Was written in 2010 for the “Munsterkwartet”. It was intended as a practice piece.

The first piece, Andante, is peaceful, modest and melodious. It has a simple theme and form with a pulsating supporting accompaniment.

The second piece forms a stark contrast. The Vivace is volatile, playful and with counterpoint. This movement has a simple ABA form, in which the 2nd theme melodious but still volatile, seeks its way back to the 1st theme, which returns in a varied form and ends with a virtuoso.

The 3rd piece takes the form of a cortège. A solemn melody in g minor is authentically supported by a simple rhythmic motif. The counterpoint melodic lines, still in simple form, seek their way to the climax, in which the melody, now in radiant g major, via a short but intense coda works its way to the finale. 

This work is characterized by its simple structure with easily understood melodic lines and accessible harmonies. This results in it being suitable for performance as well as its original function.

Publisher: Janssen Music

Demo Score: → Download

Demo Recording: (live) by L1 Radio, performanced by “Munsterkwartet”, Roermond (NL).
Sword Dance
Music for Fanfare Band

Sword Dance

Is based on Aesop’s Fable of the two dogs who are so busy fighting over a bone that they don’t notice a third one coming until it is too late and it has run off with it.

Two musical themes are fighting for their right to exist, but a third theme runs away with the honour.

Recording: by Frysk Fanfare Orkest (NL) – conducted by Jouke Hoekstra.

Publisher: → Bronsheim Music

Passing the open windows
Music for Fanfare Band

Passing the open windows

Is based on a quotation from John Irving:

“Our dreams escape us however vividly we imagine them. There’s only one thing you can do, keep passing the open windows.” ‐ John Irving

John Irving (1943) an American novelist, famous for his well turned phrases and apt pronouncements e.g. “Your memory is a monster, you forget – it doesn’t. It simply files things away. It keeps things for you, or hides things from you – and summons them to your recall with a will of its own. You think you have a memory;  but it has you!”

In “Passing the Open Windows” I have attempted to catch the atmosphere of this quotation. Having dreams (which escape us) and trying to visualize a dream. Also I have portrayed “passing” by a sort of processional march, which passes by. The use of this can be interpreted  figuratively in the sense of “Don’t choose the most obvious route to your dream.” It ends simply but effectively with the portrayal of the vanishing dream.

Demo Score:  → Passing the open windows

Publisher: → Bronsheim Music

Old Man of Hoy
Music for Brass Band, Music for Fanfare Band, Music for Wind Band

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