Compositions for concert band

Tempus Fugit

"Tempus Fugit" was composed Commissioned by Stichting Frysk Fanfare Festival for the Open Dutch Fanfare Championships 2019. The title is derived from a statement by the Roman poet Vergilius and means "Time flies."

The composition starts with a ticking clock. As time passes, more and more instruments play small, repetitive motifs. Because "time" is elusive, it is initially unclear to the listener in which time signature this takes place. After all, time cannot be captured.

The introduction leads to an optimistic "Carpe Diem" theme, played by the entire orchestra. "Carpe Diem", which means "seize the day", is frequently used in combination with "tempus fugit": Seize the day because time flies.

After the Carpe Diem theme the ticking clock returns, this time as a harbinger of the hectic and busy life that awaits us. The Allegro agitato that follows is a reflection of our fast, hectic society and gives a rushed feeling. The part is interrupted for a moment by a seemingly light-hearted waltz theme, an attempt to escape from the hectic pace and rush, but the unrest remains audible and palpable. The Allegro agitato continues undisturbed until it comes to a furious outburst: it is enough.

A quiet part with an atmosphere of reflection follows: In the distance we hear an echo of the Carpe Diem theme which is then taken over by the solo bugle. The alto saxophone plays the waltz theme from the Allegro agitato, now without the troubled elements, after which the Carpe Diem theme is played once again by the entire orchestra. Seize the day.

The composition ends as it started, with a ticking clock that does not stop: time never stands still.

The Legend of Amaterasu

This piece was commissioned by Zomerorkest Nederland on behalf of her 25th anniversary in 2011.

The Legend of Amaterasu gives us a musical picture of the ancient Japanese legend about the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu.

Amaterasu is a sun goddess of the Shinto religion. It is believed that Amaterasu sent her grandson Jimmu to Earth 3,000 years ago to be the first ruler of Japan, beginning the divine family of Japanese emperors. Amaterasu was given rule over the sky by Izangi when he handed to her his holy necklace. Later, in a competition with her brother Susano, Amaterasu gave birth to three goddesses, who with Susano's offspring, are collectively the ancestors of Jimmu.

During this competition, Amaterasu was unwilling to admit defeat. This caused Susano to furiously wreak havoc throughout the heavens and the Earth. Amaterasu fled into a cave, and her absence caused darkness throughout Japan.

Amaterasu's absence caused much dismay on Earth. As the crops died off and the people suffered, the gods decided they needed to return Amaterasu to her position in the heavens. They sought the help of several dieties, and performed ritualis and sacrifieces outside of Amaterasu's cave. They also hung a mirror from a tree outside of the cave.

Hearing all the commotion, Amaterasu came forth and asked why the gods seemed to be rejoicing. They replied that they had found a new mistress who would be the sun goddess' replacement. Amaterasu came forth in curiosity, and peeked out of her cave. She immediately saw the mirror and was drawn to it. Having never seen her own reflection, Amaterasu thought she was looking at her majestic replacement. As she stepped forward to examine it, she was caught by one god and the cave was blocked by another. Amaterasu's presence illuminated the fields and life returned to Japan's land.

Mars 1488

Mars 1488 was commissioned by the Commander of the Naval Forces on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy in 2010. The title refers to the year 1488, in which the 'Dutch Fleet' was founded. It was premiered at the annual corps concerts at De Doelen in Rotterdam on 1 and 2 December 2010. Since then, this march has been much loved by both the Marine Band and the public and has been performed frequently at home and abroad.

March 1488 has been available from Molenaar Edition since 2024 for both concert band and fanfare band.

Clouds

This piece was commissioned by Kunstfactor the Netherlands.

This work has been written in a contemporary but accessible idiom. The composition describes three different clouds:

1. Cumulus
Cumulus clouds are a type of cloud with noticeable vertical development and clearly defined edges. They are often described as 'puffy' or 'cotton-like' in appearance. Cumulus clouds mostly forecasts nice, sunny weather.

2. Cirrocumulus
Cirrocumulus clouds are high-altitude clouds that usually occur at an altitude of 6 km to 10 km. Although the term cirrocumulus refers to each cloud, it is typically also used to refer to an entire patch of cirrocumulus. This kind of clouds mostly forecast rainy, stormy weather.

3. Cumulonimbus
Cumulonimbus is a type of cloud that is tall, dense, and involved in thunderstorms and other intense weather. It will be no surprise that thunder and lightning are clearly audible in this third part of 'Clouds'.

Fleodrodum

This piece was commissioned by the Fanfareband Wilhelmina Vlierden (The Netherlands, Jan Koolen Conductor) in 2010.

Fleodrodum describes the history of the little Dutch village "Vlierden" that was called 'Fleodrodum' in the Middle Ages. The compostion that can be divided into 4 parts:

1. Introduction anno 721
In the year 721 the name "Fleodrodum" appears for the first time in historical books. Therefore the first movement is a 'Medieval Dance'

2. The Watermills
Between the 14th and 17th century there were 3 watermills in 'Vlierden'. The 2nd part describes one of these watermills, starting up slowly but in the end turning faster and faster untill it runs away....

3. The Lake and the Grave
This part describes an area with al lot of small lakes and fens. Also the familygrave of 'Hendrik Wiegersma', a very important person in the village, can be found here. On the grave there is the moving text: 'listening together in love to the sound of silence'

4. Witch Dance
The last movement is called the Witch Dance. Our ancestors believed there were Witches dancing on a mountain of sand in the middle of the woods nearby the village Vlierden.

Concordia

This piece was commissioned by fanfare Concordia Schaijk (the Netherlands) on behalf of it's 100th anniversary in 2010. The work describes the history of this fanfareband.

On November 22th, 1910, Fanfareband Concordia was founded by chaplain Mooren, who also came up with the name 'Concordia' (one of heart). In that time the band was mostly involved with clerical feasts and processionals. Later the band played at theaterscenes and organized the first festivals.

The composition opens very brightly and cheerfull, but soon the influence of the clerical music is audible. The trombonesection introduces the 'Con-Cor-Di-A' theme (C C D A) that holds the whole work together. This is followed by a solemn choral that evolves to a procession. Suddenly the music becomes more lightly and entertaining: The first festivals and the theatremusic.

Triumphant trumpets announce the 50th anniversary. In this year the percussiongroup and 'Boeremoesband' have been founded. This 'Boeremoesband' played every year on behalf of the carnival, a Dutch feast that is very important in the community of Schaijk. The composition follows with a reprise of the Choral, the 'roots' of the fanfareband, to conclude brightfull: The 100th anniversary of this young and dynamic fanfareband is a fact.

Astro Suite

This piece was commissioned by Kunstfactor the Netherlands and especially written for Youth Orchestra or small windbands.

The suite contains 4 parts, each of them representing a constellation:

1. Virgo
Virgo people are usually very gentle and quiet, and love small animals and growing things. Many Virgos love to do detailed things and are talented at crafts like dressmaking. They will work hard to create something which is beautiful and useful at the same time. People born under the sign of Virgo are often happy to be alone, providing they know that they are needed and appreciated by others. In fact, the most important thing to Virgo people is service. They are always ready to help others, and are very sympathetic to their friend's problems. Often they are shy and sensitive, but deep down are generous with their love and their talents.

2. Gemini
Gemini people have a sparkling, changeable, light quality which makes them think of the light and refreshing breeze of a spring day. Many Gemini people are talented at writing, teaching and public speaking. Some are gifted dancers. The most important thing for a Gemini is communication. Gemini people are almost always curious about lots of different things. A typical Gemini person usually enjoys being with other people, and loves to talk about the latest thing he is doing. People usually like their Gemini friends, because they have something interesting to share with everybody.

3. Piscus
Some people sometimes find Pisces hard to understand, because they feel so deeply and see many things in life which they cannot share with more practical types. They love the magic and mystery of the ocean, and wild, unspoilt scenery. They often need to be on their own, but always return to the company of others, for they are happiest when they have someone or something to be devoted to.

4. Sagitarius
The centaur is an imaginary creature who is half horse and half man. In the stories of mythology he is full of adventure and will gallop to the ends of the earth just for the joy of finding something new. In his hands he carries a bow and arrow. He shoots his arrow at some distant goal, gallops off in pursuit, and when he finds his arrow shoots it again, always keeping on the move. Astrologers think the centaur is a good symbol for those born under this sign, because they generally love travelling, seeing new places and meeting new people. They are always ready for a new adventure and always ready to learn something new.

Migyur

This piece was commissioned by the National Youth Fanfare Orchestra (The Netherlands, Danny Oosterman Chief Conductor) on behalf of it's 50th anniversary in 2009.

The Migyur or Yeti, a giant primate creature in the Himalaya, can be related to the hypothetical Bigfoot from the U.S. Scientists still consider this Migyur as a mythe but this is not the case amongst the local population who has a holy belief in it's existence. The Migyur or Yeti is a typical subject for the so called cryptozoology. According to the documentary "Yeti, Hunt for the Wildman" there are strong indications that there's something out there that has never been described by Science. On the last days of the expedition they found a hair in a hollow tree that, according to a royal Migyur hunter, has been inhabited by a Migyur. This hair has been checked in England on the DNA of human, bears and other animals from the area, but there was no match at all.....

The compostion Migyur that can be divided into 4 parts:

1. Introduction
The exposition of the two maintheme's, the "DNA" of the composition. The discussion "Does the Migyur really exist or not?" can be heard.

2. The mighty Himalaya and her population
The local population has a holy belief in the existence of the Migyur and tries to keep him away by singing a Tibetian Mantra.

3. Migyur
Migyur gets angry and comes down from the mountains with enormous footsteps to cause an outrageous blizzard. Then he dissappears as a thief in the night....

4. Conclusion
Far away the echo of the Migyur can be heard but then everything becomes quiet and peaceful again. Bells are ringing and we can hear the greatness of the mighty Himalaya. But the piece concludes with an impetuous allegro where the Migyur lets us know that he really exists..... or not?

Accretio

"Accretio" was composed in 2007 as a commission by the municipality of Laarbeek (The Netherlands) for its tenth anniversary.

The composition has been named after a work of art by Ron van de Ven, called Accretio. This artwork symbolizes the confluence of the four villages (Beek en Donk, Aarle-Rixtel, Lieshout and Mariahout) to the new municipality of Laarbeek.

The music of Accretio follows this work of art in a certain way: the work opens with a festive intrada by the brass section, followed by a cheerful allegro. Then the music changes into a quiet, peacefull andante where the accompaniment reminds us at the cirkel of the artwork. Finally the work concludes with a reprise of the allegro movement.

The first performance of "Accretio" took place at October 21st 2007 in Beek en Donk, played by the 3 united youth-orchestras of Laarbeek.

Aurora

'Aurora' was commissioned by Fanfare Aurora Heesch (The Netherlands) on behalf of it's 100th anniversary in 2006.

It's a one piece composition that can be divided into 4 parts.

1. The development of nature, environment and the village Heesch by impacts of the earth, (Peelrandbreuk) a long time ago.

2. The first habitants of Heesch: people (mostly farmers) that worked hard to make the land fertile and livable.

3. Aurora: The fanfare band Aurora was founded in 1906 in Heesch. The name of this band is the inspiration of the 3rd part where you might here some influences from Ravel.

4. The "Peelrandbreuk": an extended reprise of the Allegro from the first section. The breakline, that caused the earth shocks in the earlier days, is still active.

Musical elements, like melody and harmony, of the entire piece are based on the notes H (=B) E E S (=Eflat) C H. The "Heesch" theme is first introduced by the Euphonium solo in the first section. In the Netherlands 'Aurora' is now a contestpiece for the 1st Division Fanfare Band.

Decennium

"Decennium" was composed in 2003 as a commission by the municipality of Berheze for its tenth anniversary.

The composition describes the history of this town in the Province of Brabant, consisting of 6 different villages: Heesch, Heeswijk, Dinther, Nistelrode, Loosbroek and Vorstenbosch.

The composition starts with a slow introduction, Adagio Misterioso, suggesting the atmosphere in long-ago days when the area consisted mainly of swamps, meres and low woods. (The word "Bern" is a synonym of "Born" meaning source or water, whereas "Hese" is derived from "Haisjo" meaning brushwood ).

Above the dark sounds we hear far away trumpet signals announcing the Middle Ages. After a piercing crescendo, we hear the full sound of festive trumpets. A medieval dance, as was to be heard in the Heeswijk castle, follows. This dance gets a more and more stirring character and finally turns into a merry popular dance ending with a burst of laughter reproduced by descending scales with the muted trombones and trumpets.

A slow transition with a quotation from a Gregorian plainsong (Domine Deus) and church bell ringing, referring to the Abbey of Berne, brings us to a romantic Larghetto. This part describes the quiet rural life in a beautiful natural surrounding. The last dying note contrasts with the threatening ostinato, referring to the rise of the industrialization, which provoked quite some resistance with the local people.

Once more we hear the "Domine Deus" but much more powerful this time. When the resistance calms down, the work concludes with an Alla Marcia. The first notes of the main theme could be heard all through the composition and now we hear the complete main theme again. The new town is born. A festive conclusion refers both to the tenth anniversary and the optimism and confidence as to the future.

The piece was first performed with an orchestra of 250 musicians (4 fanfarebands and 1 concertband) with the composer conducting.

A Jubilee Overture

A Jubilee Overture was commissioned by Concertband St. Caecilia Lieshout on behalf of it's 125th anniversary in 2001. The first perfomance took place on the 1st of January of a festive year with the composer conducting.

The piece opens with a festive intrada, played by the brass-section, and continues with a vivid, energetic Allegro with alternating timesignatures. The middle section has a more songful character, based on the chorus of the "Lieshoutlied", a folksong that was composed 15 years earlier by Floris v.d. Putt, the former priest of the village. After a reprise of the Allegro the 'Lieshoutlied' sounds again but now with a 'grandioso' character. The piece concludes with a spectacular coda.

A Jubilee Overture is great piece as a concert opener.

Introduction and Caprice

Introduction and Caprice was commissioned by NIB on behalf of the "National Flugelhorn's Day" in 1994.

The piece contains two parts: the Introduction with a calm, melodic character and the Caprice. In this part aswell the soloist as the orchestra can show off their technical and musical skills. The middle section of the Caprice refers to the Introduction. The composer arranged the piece for Concertband in 2006.

Introduction and Caprice was first performed by the Frysk Fanfare Orkest with Jouke Hoekstra conducting and Andries de Haan on Flugelhorn.

Farewell

Farewell was composed on request of fanfare band "Trompetterkorps der Cavalerie" in 1993 since the band was going to be disbanded.

The piece is based on two of the most wellknown signals from the military music: "Reveille" and "Taptoe". After the bright and festive opening, with trumpets playing the Reveille signal, we hear a more melancholic melody, played by the flugelhorn. When the piece reaches it's climax all signals and themes are sounding together but the piece ends very quietly, with just one trumpetplayer left, sounding from a distance.....

Knights of the Round Table

Knights of the Round Table is a nice, light suite for youthband and contains three sections:

King Arthur:
This part describes the wise and noble King Arthur and has therefore a Maestoso character.

Camelot:
The castle where the Knights of the Round Table gathered together to report their adventures. Ofcourse sometimes there were parties also...

Excalibur:
Excalibur: The invincible sword Excalibur that was stuck in a rock, somewhere in Great Brittain. The only one who could get to this sword was ofcourse King Arthur.

Thinking of you

Thinking Of You, composed in 1992, was Eric Swiggers's very first piece for windband that has officially been published.

Especially in the 90's the piece has been performed many times all over the world and was a hit in Singapore. Even now there's a lot of demand for this romantic, jazzy, easy listening solo for flugelhorn and band therefore the piece is published again by Molenaar Edition. Solo-part for Altosaxophone is also available.