Episode for Fanfare
Music for Fanfare Band

Episode for Fanfare

Is based on a poem by Friedrich von Schiller: “Der Kampf mit dem Drachen.”

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”.

The title “Episode” refers to the fact that more episodes from the poem are used to tell the musical story.

Recording: (first performance) by Fanfare “Brass-aux-Saxes” Westerlo (B) – conducted by Christiaan Janssen.

Demo Score: ➞ Episode for Fanfare 

Publisher: → Bronsheim Music

Dance in outer spacing No. 1
Music for Fanfare Band

Dance in outer spacing No. 1

This work consists of 22 fragments each of 8 bars (spacings).  These dances are separated by a chorale-like theme and end with a sparkling  coda.

The ten different themes portray the different events in space. And so form an exceptional (extraterrestrial) sparkling tableau.(outing)

A very spectacular work in an unusual genre for Fanfare Band

Recording: (live) by Fanfare “Brass-aux-Saxes” Westerlo (B) – conducted by Jan van Hove.

Full Recording: CD ➞ “Dangerous Liaisons”.

Demo Score: ➞ Dance in outer Spacing (1) 

Publisher: → Bronsheim Music

Concerto for Band
Music for Wind 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

Concertino for Winds
Music for Ensemble,

Concertino for Winds

Recorded (live) by Wind Ensemble “Zuiderwind” (NL) – conducted by Jos van de Braak.

This work was written in a fairly short time and I cherish the memories related to its composition. That is why I give it the pet name of “Zuiderwind Concertino”.

A pet name with a double meaning, firstly referring to the ensemble “Zuiderwind”, but it is also a reference to a corner of the world where everything is more pleasant than here. This last relates to the death of my brother-in-law, to whom this work is dedicated.

The first movement, Andante con Moto, is a sort of serenade, a quiet lullaby like movement, in which the main theme is presented by a horn or clarinet solo. This movement exudes serenity and level-headedness,  like the character of my brother-in-law.

The second movement, Allegro Molto Scherzando, is a sort of fleeting dance, a sort of Scherzo, but then again not. It has some common ground with Mahler whilst still remaining accessible.

The third movement Adagio non troppo – Andante Calme e Celeste, is an emotional finale to the concertino. Here, the main theme forms the basis of a melody (with thanks to Puccini). In the Coda (Andante Calme e Celeste) the main theme returns with an almost celestial atmosphere.

Demo Score: ➞ Concertino for Winds, (a version with 2 horns is also available)

Publisher: Janssen Music