St. Michael. Par BOURGEOIS LOUIS. The French composer Louis Bourgeois lived from c. 1510 to 1560. Bourgeois was cantor in Geneva and, commissioned by John Calvin, he composed melodies for metrical (rhyming) versions of the psalms. After completing about a hundred one-part psalms, he made some four-part arrangements, which were denounced and even resulted in his imprisonment for a day. Later, Bourgeois published a number of psalm collections, and judging from his book Le droict chemin de musique he was also an excellent educator. The melodies Bourgeois composed, are (contrary to Gregorian chants) particularly suitable for community singing. This applies to his hymn tune Saint Michael, which is why this melody hasbeen used for various texts, written for many occasions. John Blanken made this arrangement for a wedding ceremony: an occasion in which faith and trust play a large - if not the largest - role. Hence the title Hymn of Faith. The arrangement contains four verses of the hymn. After a majestic opening the hymn follows twice, the second verse being embellished in the tenor register. After a short interlude verse three follows, played by a quartet. The majestic opening is then repeated as a modulation into the fourth verse, which concludes the work in a brilliant tutti. / Niveau : 3 / Hymnes et chorals / Répertoire / Brass Band

Par SWERTS PIET. Chain was composed between June and August 2000 as the test piece for the 2002 European Brass Band Championship. The composer’s idea was to compose a one-movement piece - a work that starts mysteriously and develops in various directions. As his basic material, he chose a figure that is the abbreviation of the European Brass Band Championship: EBBC. This figure is developed in a chain of figures which gradually lead to the climax of the piece. / Niveau : 6 / Pièce de concert / Date parution : 1905-06-24/ Répertoire / Brass Band

Arr. Thijs Van Otterloo_John Blanken. Par VAN OTTERLOO ROGIER. Before his untimely death in 1988, Dutch composer Rogier van Otterloo became well-known for the film music he wrote to various successful Dutch movies. In this medley, made by his youngest son, Thijs van Otterloo, the themes of Help, de dokter verzuipt! (Help, the Doctor Is Drowning!, 1974) and Soldaat van Oranje (Soldier of Orange, 1977) have been used, as well as Esther (from Soldier of Orange ). A fantastic trip into the field of world cinema music. / Niveau : 4 / TV, Film, Comédie musicale / Recueil / Brass Band

Easter Fantasy. Par BILKES MICHAEL. Fantasia di Pasqua is a fantasy in which traditional Easter melodies have been used. The work is written for brass band with a separate brass quartet which, since this music is often performed in churches, the composer suggests should be positioned on a gallery. This creates a double choir effect and perfectly fits the Renaissance-like style. Each of the melodies is played in various dance-like cadences that, partly because of the double choir effect, will result in a very lively and original performance. / Hymnes et chorals / Répertoire / Brass Band

The pop song Good Vibrations which appeared as a single in 1966 is one of the most celebrated hits of The Beach Boys. The piece composed and produced by Brian Wilson has been called a mini symphony.Various covers versions have been made including a marvellous a cappella version by the King’s Singers. This arrangement for brass band written by Don Campbell is just as delightful as the original.

Sketches from Nowhere is the second composition that Thomas Doss has written for brass band. The title was inspired by various images the composer saw in his mind’s eye while working on this piece: pictures of foreign places; pictures of the creationof our world. The main motif that weaves its way from the beginning to the end of the work is meant to parallel humanity’s great evolution: from its humble beginnings as mere stardust to the present day.