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.