Band

This excellent arrangement by Robert van Beringen is of the well-known German chorale Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, taken from the oratorio Paulus (St. Paul) by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809-1847). Although accredited to Mendelssohn, it is thought the melody was in fact written by the pastor and poet Philipp Nicolai in 1599. Robert van Beringen's arrangement perfectly captures the biblical story of St. Paul. Dur: 3:50

The Spring Sketches is a sequel to the 2006 Fanfare - Young Pheasants in the Sky. The Spring Sketches is a wonderful work to perform on its own, but also creates an interesting set when performed in conjunction with its predecessor, the Fanfare. Dur: 3:35

Tylman Susato (circa 1500-1561) was one of the world's first music publishers and seller of musical instruments. He left behind several collections containing arrangements of Dutch songs and dance and also published several of his own works. Three of these, published in 1551, were called Msyck Boexken, or music book. Almost 500 years later, Jan de Haan has used one of these melodies, Mohrentanz, for this theme with three variations. Dur: 6:45

The title's meaning is two-fold: as a letter, I stands for the Japanese Iwata Band Association. As a number, I represents Satoshi Yagisawa's hope that this is only the first in a future series of works. Symphonic Episode I provides rich contrast between its various slow and fast sections, with the slow movement exemplifying Yagisawa's great ability to write warm and emotionally inspired music. Dur: 6:35

This composition was commissioned by the Concert Band of the NS (the Dutch railroad company) and is intended as an opening piece, bringing the band and the audience on track for an exciting concert! The ascending chords over the ostinato bass of the introduction represent the energetic pulling away of the train. The main theme in 10/8 time makes one drift away in the rhythm of full speed. The clownish middle section reflects the seemingly disorderly activity in a station hall during rush hour. This is followed by a reprise of the main theme and the introduction, which brings this fascinating musical rail journey to an end.