Hymnus was commissioned by the Wilhelmina Easterein Fanfare Orchestra in the Autumn of 1999 for their performance at the World Music Contest Kerkrade. The commission was the result of a collaboration between the composer and the thenmusical director Marten van der Wal. The exact meaning of the word Hymnus is not known but it is taken in this presentation to mean hymn or hymn-like. The melodic material is organic and grows from an initial unison tone. Thisinterval is gradually expanded to form the cell F E C F a semitone third fifth. The only other melodic motif is the ascending three-note pattern spanning a major third. This is the second of his compositions to use this ascending motif theother being Fanfare for a Bright New Age for Brass Band and Organ also of 2000. These characteristic intervals appear in many contrasting moods and guises throughout the piece. The opening unison notes are intended to convey as sense ofpower and magnificence like the first sounds at the dawning of the universe. After the immense power a period of stunned silence and reverence. The evolution of the hymn melody incorporates a variety of moods and atmospheres sometimes expressing much joy and celebration whilst also suggesting periods of intense savagery or prayerful contemplation. The hymn builds as the piece progresses and is finally stated in its complete form at letter W. The official worldpremiere of the work was given by Wilhelmina Easterein at the World Music Contest 2001. Whilst the composer was unable to attend in person he was able to enjoy the premier simultaneously transmitted via a mobile phone from the audience! Conductors Note The tempo indications are to be viewed as a guide rather than a literal instruction. Within the music there is an innate sense of pulse and metre lending itself to considerable rubato. Melody is king and all else is mere support and decoration careful attention must therefore be given to balance.

Op 25 maart 1957 vond de ondertekening van het verdrag van Rome plaats. Dit betekende het begin van de Europese Unie (EU). De Europese 'familie' is in 50 jaar tijd gegroeid van 6 tot 27 landen ieder met hun eigen cultuur taal en tradities. Vrijheid democratie gelijkheid de rechtsstaat en respect voor de mensenrechten zijn de gemeenschappelijke waarden die worden nagestreefd. Europese Hymne: In 1972 koos de Raad van Europa het thema van 'Ode aan de vreugde' van Ludwig van Beethoven (uit de Negende Symphonie) als het Europese Volkslied. De tekst van het lied 'Ode aan de vreugde' (An die Freude. Ode to Joy) is van de hand van Friedrich Schiller. Net alsSchiller vond Beethoven dat alle mensen gelijk waren (broeders). Ter gelegenheid van deze bijzondere verjaardag componeerde Dagmar Kildevann de vrolijke mars J'eu'ful. De titel is een woordspeling op de tekst van het Europese volkslied. Kildevann gebruikt als inleiding op het volkslied het bekende motief uit Beethoven's Vijfde Symphonie.

Isaac Watts (1674-1748) wrote the lyrics of 'There is a land of pure delight' and is known as the 'Father of English Hymnody'. Watts was for the English hymn as Ambrose was for the medieval Latin hymn and what Martin Luther was for the German chorale. He wrote about 750 songs and some of them survide the ravahes of time. (Joy To The World When I survey the wondrous cross I sing the Mighty Power of God) 'There is a Land of Pure Delight' is usually in English-speaking areas sung on Luther Orlando Emerson's melody ('Ascription'). Here is used a traditional English melody ('Mendip'). There is a land of pure delight Wheresaints immortal Reign. Infinite day excludes the night And pleasures banish pain.