Let There Be Peace: Concert Band: Score

A spectacular dive via an extended chromatic scale immediately submerges us in a charged and somewhat archaic-feeling atmosphere. Trumpets horns and trombones resound in rhythmic patterns buttressed by restless motifs in the percussion. A second theme in the woodwinds begins much calmer but is quickly pushed aside by that same brass offensive. This introduction is the musical expression of the sometimes tumultuous early history of the town of Peer in Belgium. It closes with a D scale played over two octaves and repeated three times symbolizing the church steeples that dominate the townscape. Peer has the credentials of a town and people should know about it.There followsa rhythmic turbulent passage: in the course of history Peer has not been spared the ravages of war arson occupation epidemic and other evils. In contrast a slow pastoral lyrical part expresses the periods of peace and prosperity the town has known as well as the serene geographic setting that still characterizes the place. Various instruments in groups are developed in solo style while the accompaniment displays vast painterly images of sound. Now and then an exotic intonation is heard: a variety of peoples and cultures have left their mark on the town.This episode of tranquility and peacefulness comes to a sudden end when via a surprising almost chaotic transitional passage we are in effect transported back to our own time. A hopeful festive march expresses the confidence in the future that the Royal Concert Band of Peer exudes. This confidence is wholly justified: under the direction of conductor Willy Fransen the 95 members of the concert band have experienced an extended period of good fortune and the 75 musicians of the youth band - and the 45 little musicians of the mini-band - are involved in thriving operations.

An Astrological Composition. Astrology is based on the principle that each sort of time has its own quality. In order to determine the quality of a particular moment an astrologer looks at the position of the planets in the solar sustemat that moment. Each planet has specific types of energies and its location provides unique information for a certain moment on Earth. Thus: its position in the sky tells something about what happens on Earth. In this composition the typesof energies of four planets are musically translated. The four planet were not randomly chosen. There are two pairs whose influence and energy are opposite. Venus and Mars. Venus represents the feminine principle: harmony beauty art and the ability to make relationships and to keep the peace. Venus connects and communicates in order to maintain the balance. Mars represent the masculine principle: winning impulsiveness enthusiasm and sexual energy for procreation.He creates war enabling the strongest to triumph. Mars is musically depicted in a stirring march in which enthusiasm characterises the masculine character. Saturn and Jupiter. Saturn represents concentration and withdrawal: the strongnotion of responsibility seriousness self-discipline and melancholy. Saturn is the hermit who will conquer his fears and worries in minimal conditions and by self-chastisement. This contemplative character is depicted in the music as if it isalmost standing still which also reflects the given character of this planet. Jupiter represents growth and expansion: the positive self-confidence the good Samaritan the healer. Jupiter is the philosopher who will make the world a betterplace sees future possibilities and searches for eternal values. He is the prophet who sometimes rants and raves his doctrine and proclamations resulting musically in a whirling and upbeat finale. not looking back at what has been but searchingfor new challenges. 'Heaven and Earth' was commisioned by the Music Lending and Information Centre (MUI) a department of the library for the province of Gelderland in Arnhem The Netherlands.Een astrologische compositie. Astrologie is gebaseerd op het principe dat elke tijd zijn eigen kwaliteit heeft. ''Tijd voor koffie'' of ''het was je tijd nog niet'' als bijvoorbeeld een baan aan je neus voorbij is gegaan. Om de kwaliteit van een moment te lezen kijkt deastroloog naar de stand van de planeten in ons zonnestelsel op dat tijdstip. Elke planeet heeft specifieke energieën en de plaats aan de hemel geeft unieke informatie over een bepaald moment op aarde. Oftewel: de stand aan de hemel (Ouranos) verteltiets over wat er op aarde (Gaia) gebeurt. In deze compositie worden de energieën van vier planeten muzikaal vertaald. De vier planeten zijn niet lukraak gekozen. Het zijn twee paren die qua invloed en energie tegenovergesteldzijn. Venus en Mars.

Luvre « Temples » est née de différentes sources dinspiration la source principale étant peut-?tre le complexe des quatre temples en ruine dAngkor au Cambodge. Cela fait des siècles que ces temples symbolisent le Khmer une des plus importantes cultures bouddhistes et hindouistes de lAsie du Sud-Est. La deuxième source dinspiration du compositeur est le Saint Livre de lEcclésiaste et plus particulièrement quatre fragments tirés du troisième chapitre de louvrage qui gagnent en importance tout au long de la composition. Chacune des quatre parties de la composition est associée à un texte biblique ainsi quà un temple dAngkor.Outre la dimension architecturale et spirituelle touteluvre dévoile une structure musicale sappuyant sur des intervalles qui sont en relation directe avec les hauteurs des tours principales dAngkor Vat.Mon objectif était de créer une sorte de toile abstraite qui contrasterait fortement avec les émotions fracassantes que lon ressent lorsque lon visite ces prestigieux temples séculaires.PHNOM BAKHENG« there is a time to be born and a time to die... »(« il y a un temps pour naître et un temps pour mourir... »)La musique du début sinspire de lancien temple « Phnom Bakheng » édifié au 9e siècle après Jésus-Christ et surnommé « premier Angor ». Ce temple sera construit comme une sorte de « temple-montagne » en référence à la montagne mythique « Meru » qui selon lhindouisme est la maison de tous les dieux. Dans cette partie le compositeur interprète la naissance de la vie la multiplicité de tous les ?tres vivants et la naissance de la civilisation humaine. à partir daccords graves presque indéfinissables se développe un mouvement dont le rythme saccroît et qui devient de plus en plus intense et coloré. Ensuite lensemble « sombrage » à nouveau comme le soleil qui disparaît derrière les nuages.BAYON« ... a time for war and a time for peace... »(« ... un temps pour la guerre est un temps pour la paix... »)Des accords mystérieux préparent le terrain pour les trombones et trompettes qui ne se

Asteroids and comets have played an important role throughout the history of life on earth. It is quite probable that the dinosaurs have been exterminated by an asteroid's impact in the Gulf of Mexico. Huge tidal waves and fire storms wiped out all life. This is the year 2067 according to the Christian calendar. A collision has just taken place in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and caused an asteroid to enter the earth's power of gravitation. It is instoppably approaching the blue planet. As its peoples have been fighting each other continuously they missed the building of a global defence system against dangers coming from space. A scanner records the asteroid andimmediately sends a message to the President of the Anglo-American Union. The probability that the asteroid will hit the earth is judged 50% by the experts. Plans are made to shoot the celestial body with rockets live with hydrogen bombs or laser guns in order to throw it off its track but they fail. The asteroid's size seems to threaten the existence of mankind. Those in the know stare at the night sky in bewilderment. But for the time being there is still peace on earth....

This striking new work from master composer John Moss uses marvelous band scoring techniques and a distinctive form to achieve a wonderfully effective musical setting. The exciting opening fanfare section ends with a clarinetcadenza which introduces the ?evocation? section. Beautiful sonorities and flowing melodies are heard before the brief return of the fanfare theme and clarinet solo. From there the work tapers to a quiet and peacefulclose. Wonderful writing!

There is something about a crisp winter morning that makes one feel at home and at peace. This is a lyrical piece that encapsulates that feeling and gives students an opportunity to explore performing with a legato style. Intriguing harmonies, a beautiful melody, and a little bit of holiday spirit will help make this one of your favorites. (2:40) 'Winter Whispers? correlates to Book 1, Level 5 of Sound Innovations for Concert Band. / Concert Band

Since the beginning of time man has pondered what happens when our physical body dies. Some believe we go to Heaven. Others doubt its existence entirely. Then there are those who have had near death experiences and live to tell their stories. This composition starts delicately as peacefulness returns to the soul. It intensifies as we approach our new consciousness, constantly modulating between the two as we gain knowledge of our new surroundings. (4:45) / Concert Band