Par CURNOW JAMES. In 1868 William Francis Allen published a collection of spirituals, songs sung by slaves whilst they worked. This book started a flood of enthusiasm for the spiritual which continues to this day. Jubilation (a time for celebration) uses the spiritual 'My Lord, What A Morning' as the main melody for transitions and modulations throughout and to introduce three further spirituals: I'm Gonna Sing, Steal Away and Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit. / Niveau : 3 / Hymnes et chorals / Répertoire / Brass Band

Par DE HAAN JACOB. In this composition, Jacob de Haan sees the 'Ross Roy' as a metaphor for the years spent at school (a monument in time), where one's personality is formed. So, the opening theme the artist calls the Ross Roy theme initially has monumental characteristics. The rhythmic motion, which strides along in the lower register and percussion at the beginning of the next section is typical of 'Tempo di Marcia'. This movement, accompanied by repetitions of sound, is a metaphor for the structure and discipline in school. This is the introduction to a march theme, symbolic of 'passing through' the classes up to the final examinations. Then, the Ross Roy theme is dealt with again, now in aplayful, humorous variation. As if the composer is saying there should also be time for a smile in school. The same theme can be heard in major key and a slower tempo in the following section, expressing pride and self-confidence. This is also the introduction to the expressive middle section that represents love, friendship and understanding. We then return to the march theme in a slightly altered construction. The oriental sounds, constituting the modulation to the final theme, are symbols of the diversity of cultures in the school. The characteristic final theme first sounds solemn, but turns into a festive apotheosis. It is no coincidence that the final cadence is reminiscent of the close to a traditional overture, for the school years can be considered the 'overture' to the rest of one's life. / Niveau : 4 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Brass Band

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