This work is based on the old French Christmas carol 'Patapan' first published by Bernard de La Monnoye around 1700. This contemporary setting explores a variety of textures from simple to intricate. A worthy addition to your holiday program that is comfortably accessible at the grade 3 level. (2:00) / Orchestre D'Harmonie

The title implies 'all watching,' hinting to the mythological Greek Watchman Panoptes and 'opticon' for watching. This original contemporary composition opens with an unassuming docile theme. The transparency is rapidly replaced with driving tutti components that furiously depict a vividly punctuated theme. Reminiscent passive melodies interrupt occasionally, building to an uncompromising conclusion. With a vivid percussion contribution, this energy-packed composition is unparalleled. Bravo! (5:30) / Orchestre D'Harmonie

Conceived as a concert opener or encore piece, this holiday musical collage combines three beloved carols including, 'Adeste Fideles,' more commonly known as 'O, Come All Ye Faithful,' 'Angels We Have Heard on High,' and 'Joy to the World!' This fresh contemporary holiday medley is a joyous way to ring in the season! (2:30) / Orchestre D'Harmonie

Major Yvon Ducene wanted a new lush and colourful composition for his Guides military band with André Waignein as its composer. Early in 1979 the composer began his assignement and in October of the same year the finished full score was on the music stands of this prestigious military band of the Belgian Army.The introduction (Grave) mirrors an atmosphere full of serenity in which the theme played by the oboes and the English horn is predominant and immediately holds the listener spell-bound. It is taken up again as central element of the slow movement.The Allegro breaks away from the quiet passion of the introduction. Here the band can really show its capabilities to thefull. Based on a very precise rythm an idiom of sudden desperation and adversity develops which fused with a crushing agression culminates in a kind of eruption soom calmed down by a Lento : peace and quiet has returned thanks to a melody by the horns and soon taken over by the clarinets. In the meantime the saxophone - an instrument full of human emotion - express the main spatial dimension in contemporary psyche. Following a harmonic transition the brass-players take up the theme again in forte whilst the basses and the woodwinds interwine in technical arabesques.The movings of the mind and the heart get an audible and almost touchable shape in the ensuing Allegro a movement characterized by a rhythmic dialogue in which the whole orchestra participates and where the exposition contains a wealth of sound and technical contrasts. The Lento finally uses the central theme of the slow movement again with some occasional references to the two allegros. The last page is of unprecedented grandeur. All the instruments display their most beautiful sound which were named by Jacques Ferschotte when speaking about Honneger 'harmonies d'intensités' harmonies of the unmeasurable.

Par HIMES WILLIAM. Who but William Himes could have composed this one? Filled with humor, pathos, excitement and surprise, LIFE DANCES is a brilliant and rhythmic overture for the adventurous band. The dauntless contemporary sounds of the opening are contrasted by an almost Medeival character. You’ll traverse many intriguing and unpredictable paths before dazzling rhythmic interplay drives the band to the astonishing ending. Like life, when you first open this “box of chocolates” you truly won’t know what wonderful treats are in store. As a director, if you’ve ever gotten a bit weary of the “same old same old, ” you’ve come to the right place for a change. This one is sure to reinvigorate youand your band as you discover together all the surprises life has to offer. A celebration! / Niveau : 4 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par DAUGELA KAZYS. The contemporary Lithuanian composer Kazys Daugla created Festive Rock in celebration of the 2003 Lithuanian national holiday. The premier took place at a concert with not one, but two concert bands being eluminated by the many colours of a concert closing firework display. This unforgettable event led to the piece’s popularity among concert bands. Now it can also become a part of your repertoire with or without fireworks! / Niveau : 3 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par BULLA STEPHEN. As one of the great pillars of church hymnody, the song All Creatures of Our God lives through the centuries. The associated words are attributed to St. Francis of Assisi and they were wed to this melody in a hymnal first published in 1623. The setting adds a contemporary flare to the tune by combining it with up-beat, original material. / Niveau : 3 / Hymnes et chorals / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par TCHAIKOVSKI PIOTR ILITCH. The Dance Of The Jesters was composed as incidental music for the ballet The Snow Maidens. The ballet is not based on the Hans Christian Andersen story, but on a contemporary Russian fantasy-play Snegourochka. The Snow Maiden, daughter of Father Frost, falls in love with a human, Misgir, and plans to marry him. However, Misgir is already betrothed to Coupava. The Snow Maiden follows him southward to interrupt his wedding, but she falls victim to the warmth of the sun and melts. The Dance is an incredibly lively affair that has stood out from the songs, dances, and choruses of the ballet. It captures the color and zest of Russian folk dance. / Niveau : 5 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par DAUGELA KAZYS. The contemporary Lithuanian composer Kazys Daugla created Festive Rock in celebration of the 2003 Lithuanian national holiday. The premier took place at a concert with not one, but two concert bands being eluminated by the many colours of a concert closing firework display. This unforgettable event led to the piece’s popularity among concert bands. Now it can also become a part of your repertoire with or without fireworks! / Niveau : 3 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

A Musical Memorial-Today Voestalpine is a company specialising in technology and industrial goods. Founded nearly 150 years ago it has played an important role in the steel and iron industry throughout its history. The company displays an impressive “Contemporary History Exhibition 1938-1945” commemorating the victims of National Socialist forced labour in the factory during WWII. ‘Iron Ring’ refers to the company logo during that time. This work is a symphonic poem-like composition describing different aspects of the companies’ history in four musical scenes. It is a dramatic breathtaking and impressive piece of music that will leave no one untouched. The piece features severalimpressive solos for a cello. Today Voestalpine is a company specialising in technology and industrial goods. Founded nearly 150 years ago it has played an important role in the steel and iron industry throughout its history. The company displays an impressive “Contemporary History Exhibition 1938-1945” commemorating the victims of National Socialist forced labour in the factory during WWII. ‘Iron Ring’ refers to the company logo during that time. This work is a symphonic poem-like composition describing different aspects of the companies’ history in four musical scenes. It is a dramatic breathtaking and impressive piece of music that will leave no one untouched. The piece features severalimpressive solos for a cello.

Robert Jager's adventuresome work is inspiried by the awesome presence of the Vietnam memorial in Washington D.C. Jager's contemporary approach explores new musical territory for mature wind band and makes a powerful andthought-provoking statement. Commissioned by the United States Air Force Band.