The mystique surrounding life and death formed the starting point of this composition. I wanted to write a work without a story mixed up in a kind of musical quest for a new world of sound original rhythm sequences melodies filled with suspenseand distinct orchestral tones.The indirect cause was the birth of my first child which took place during this time followed by the death of a close family member. At such a moment you experience just how close life and death are to each other anddespite one being the antithesis of the other they are incredibly similar. Both radical events are passages into new worlds and have great emotional impact. Moreover the work was commissioned by “New Life” an orchestra that lost one of itsmusician in a plane crash which also led me to believe that this approach would be appropriate.I would prefer not to comment on which passages in the composition concern life (birth) and which refer to death. It seems to me that it is moreinteresting to question traditional conceptions and leave it open for the listener. If you think that a passage is about birth and this idea then shifts it is this that raises fascinating questions on both a musical and metaphysical level.Music isin an indirect but incredibly persuasive way in which to express the endless striving and seeking of mankind. Music can even touch eternity as it were and give us the feeling that we can transcend death. This endless search (and also longing) canbe heard throughout the work; as much in the sound fields and accent shifts in the first part as in the enormous tension curves and compelling themes of the second part. The semi-tone functions in this way as a guide or something to hold on to running through the whole work and upon which much of the musical material is based. Traces of profound love resound with quiet simplicity in the slow section’s melodious solos after which the work contemplates life and death one last time musesupon joy and sadness on the possibilities and limitations of people and on the why of all things.I would like to dedicate this work to my dearest daughter Paulientje to Meterke and to Johan de Jong of the “New Life” orchestra. May it fare themwell here or in another dimension…

Like ‘Hijo de la Luna’ ‘Enamorada’ is another great Latino song regardless of the fact that it was composed by Belgian songwriters. Stef Minnebo who is an expert in this kind of music thanks to his work as a bass and guitar player made an original but faithful adaptation of this Belle Perez hit. It’s time to put your lambada outfit on and dream of the South.

Man in Motion is the title number from the film St. Elmo’s Fire from 1985. The song was a huge hit and was even nominated for a Grammy. In the meantime it’s become a world-wide classic which in this entertaining concert band arrangement will enliven any concert programme.

The term �Pastorale� originally meant a (musical) poem extolling the virtues of rural life. Beethoven�s 6th symphony is a fine example of this. In his Hymnus Pastorale Bert Appermont has dressed this concept in a modern guise with a composition featuring a magnificent and broad chorale which can be played by any ensemble. It is ideal as an interlude in your concert or as a warm-up piece.

Sven Van Calster composed this work after he visited this city in the Czech Republic. A solemn fanfare is followed by a brilliant allegro with a heavy beat. A slow section in ballade style precedes a reprise of the introduction and then an extravagant finale follows. This is an ideal piece for a concert or a competition.

Bavarian Pictures is the successor of A Bamberg Fantasy but is more difficult and more complex. In this innovative work the composer has endeavoured to combine traditional tonal elements with innovative elements from the competition repertoire. This composition is based on Bavarian folksong which are interwoven through the composition in various ways.

The Dutch town of Weert was originally (in 1062) called Wherta and is derived from the Dutch word ‘Waard’. The small town’s value is its high location in the middle of a marshland. The work describes the history of how Belgium and the Netherlands fought a long battle to gain possession of the town during the revolution in the Low Countries in the 16th century. To illustrate this Willy Fransen brought together parts of the Dutch and the Belgian national anthems in a subtle manner. This work is dedicated to the Municipal Brass Band of Weert.

Gustav Mahler is probably one of the most important composers of late Romanticism. His symphonies are emotional extravaganzas of hectic near neurotic movements on the one hand and extremely beautiful melodies and wonderful choral music on the other hand. This Adagio from his 6th symphony which has been arranged in a majestic way by Georges Moreau is a perfect example.

The book Gulliver�s Travels (1726) by author Jonathan Swift formed the provocation for writing this composition. Even though this composition isn�t a literal representation of the original story a number of elements were still retained. The ship�s doctor Gulliver finds himself in 4 (fictive) areas each with their own inhabitants and customs. Each part of this suite also received the name of one of these areas:I. LilliputThe enterprising Lilliputians are represented by a playful common theme in the first part.II. BrobdingnagIn the land of Brobdingnag Gulliver is carried off by gigantic giants which you hear approaching with the sounds of the bassinstruments. The same theme is constantly repeated and quickened in order to increase the tension.III. LaputaLaputa is an island that floats in the air; its inhabitants are strange people with slanting heads. The dreamy special atmosphere is especially well conveyed here.IV. The HouyhnhnmsFinally Gulliver finds himself in the land of the Houyhnhnms where intelligent and noble horses rule over the primitive undeveloped people (yahoos). The trumpets in the brilliant opening express the galloping horses; the gallant theme that follows (horns and trombones) symbolises the primitive yahoos. The whole composition ends with a big finale.I intentionally tried to limit the degree of difficulty of Gulliver�s Travels. Despite this I think that this work can appeal to many orchestras due to the colourful orchestration (cues are provided where needed) the simple and clear theme and the highly imaginative breeding ground of a beautiful story around which this composition is built.

Toon Hermans is especially well-known in the Netherlands and Belgium as a cabaret artist. His upbeat style and smart humour can also be heard in his music which he mainly composed for his shows. Georges Moreau is the man who made this simple but stylish arrangement.

Twinkling Tunes are two original Christmas songs written especially for children and which thanks to their flexible instrumentation can be played by any wind band. Lichtjes van Kerstmis (Christmas Lights) is about people gathering together around the Christmas tree. The Lied der Koningen (Song of Kings) brings the story of the Magi to life. The vocal part (with Dutch text) is optional and can be performed either solo or by a children’s choir but even without vocals this composition is sure to create a merry Christmas mood.

Best of-As well as being a living legend in German showbiz Udo Jürgens is also popular in many other European countries. Despite his considerable age he can still be seen on international stages and his performances are always full of energy. Peter Schüller has composed a medley featuring his greatest hits. Not to be missed if you�re a fan!

Nena recently made her comeback after she became an overnight success several years ago with her pop song �99 Luftballons�. This unforgettable hit from the German �New Wave� period provides an ideal change of mood in your program and it is also very easy to play for any group.

This world hit became famous through Joe Cocker�s interpretation of it. Juri Briat has turned it into a trombone solo.

Demasiado Corazón from the Latino icon Willy (Mink) Deville has been adapted very professionally by Filip Sandras who already revealed his love for this kind of music in many of his previous arrangements. These sounds from the South will definitely put your audience in a good mood.

‘Fanfare for a Friend’ was originally composed as an introductory piece for the brass ensemble Musica Mosana and their conductor Mark Prils. The work begins with a brilliant brass fanfare that presents the main theme for the first time. This stately theme can be heard in counterpoints throughout the first 28 bars. This is followed by a contrasting and rapid part whereby a melodic theme can be heard against a more rhythmic accompaniment. A virtuoso and sweeping passage then leads to the grandioso in which both themes are played simultaneously in a grand finale.

Medusa is the name of the North African snake queen who was worshipped around 1400 BC and became the symbol of female wisdom and mystery. As the legend goes nobody was allowed to lift her veil because if you looked into her eyes you would be able to see your own death...This composition which includes elements from movie scores and light music is the musical translation of this mysterious and fatalistic tale.

This world hit became famous through Joe Cocker�s interpretation of it. Juri Briat has turned it into a trombone solo.

Karachi Boulevard is a piece of music is inspired by the city of Karachi in Pakistan. This composition was made according to the theme-and-variations principle.The main theme of the work consists of a whole musical scale and this immediately gives the arrangement an Oriental flavour. This theme is cleverly disguised in endless almost unrecognisable variations in a series of short interconnected fragments. Following a brief presentation of the thematic material a rhythmic allegro part in 7/8 time is played by the piccolo. Next some improvisation by the clarinet are played with vocal accompaniment by a number of inhabitants of Karachi. In the following part anextremely moody and impressionist andante breaks through the hectic confusion when a flute solo brings a totally different variation of the theme. After this variation a compelling folk dance in 3/4 time is played and the piece ends in a grand finale whereby the theme can be heard once again albeit reduced to its simplest form and enhanced by rhythmic decorations from the woodwind.Despite the many variations this exceptional piece is composed of different parts that form a logical sequence and make a very strong musical impression on the audience.

Koen Pletinckx always surprises us with the freshness and youthfulness of his compositions for dynamic orchestras. Once again he has succeeded in mixing pop elements attractive melodies and a good beat in a beautiful composition called Poppy Times. It’s fun to play and a catchy tune: the audience will be delighted.