Symphonic Wind Orchestra Singen

The symphonic wind orchestra of the music school for the youth in Singen led by music director Siegfried Worch

Reflections for Band                                                      Johan Nijs

Reflections for Band was composed by the young Belgian composer Johan Nijs for the international composition competition held by the "Confederation Musical de France" and was awarded first prize by the jury Ida Gotkovsky, Serge Lancen, Georges Jouvain, Desire Dondeyne and chairman Andre Petit.

It is a typical contest piece, enabling the band to present all its features and facettes in the movements “Overture”, “Air” and “Finale”

Askania                                                                              Klaus-Peter Bruchmann

 The title of Klaus-PeterBruchmann's»^sfeon/off reveals historic associations. Ascania Castle near Aschersleben was the ancestral seat of a famous dynasty of German princes during the Middle Ages. The Ascanians ruled as dukes, margraves and prince-electors in the provinces of Anhalt, Brandenburg and Saxee-Wittenberg. Without being truly programmatic, the composer portrays courtly life of the Middle Ages in musical scenes. Festive fanfare flourishes invite to knightly receptions and exuberant festivities. There are allusions to hunting parties and warlike activities, but also to intriguing among the castle's inhabitants. There also are scenes of minnesong, as these lyric poems and songs constituted an indispensable element of daily life in those times.

 Canto a UNICEF                                                             Ferrer Ferran

 This composition was written for the 50th anniversary of UNICEF. The melody, which is a connecting thread throughout the work, is dedicated to all children in the world who go without attention, understanding, and love. Canto a UNICEF was first performed in 1996 by the concert band of the cultural society "Allegro," conducted by the composer, Ferrer Ferran. Members of the council of UNICEF were present at the concert.

Greek Folk Song Suite                                                   Franco Cesarini

The typical instruments of Greek folk music are the clarinet, the mandolin, the violin, various types of tambourines, and the characteristic "buzuki." Greek folk music consists of a repertoire of three main groups of songs: traditional folksongs (dimotiko), folksongs from the immigrants (rebetiko), and songs from contemporary composers. The best-known author of Greek folk music is Mikis Theodorakis who, in addition to his political engagement against the fascist regime, has spread, through his melodies, the texts of the main Greek poets.

In Greek Folk Song Suite, Franco Cesarini has elaborated three songs belonging to the most ancient tradition. The first, O Haralambis, is in 7/8 time, typical of a popular folk dance called kalamatianos. Originally, the song O Haralambis was sung to "tease" during weddings, since the text of the song refers to a young man who refuses to marry. The central part of the piece includes another folk song called I Voskopula. The second movement, Stu Psiloriti, refers to an ancient song from the Island of Crete. The Psiloritis is the highest peak of the Ida Mountains. The third movement of the suite is based on the song Vasilikos tha gino, a very ancient song of the Ipeiros region. Some characteristics of this movement are a reminder of the sirtaki, the most popular Greek dance abroad.

 Diogenes                                                                            Jacob de Haan

In composing Diogenes Jacob de Haan created a concert piece deriving its title from the Greek philosopher, Diogenes (± 400 B.C.). Diogenes is considered the founder of the "school of cynicism". The two main themes in the piece are woven into three connecting movements, each inspired by a tale about Diogenes. An interesting, contrastive piece.

 Zorba´s Dance                                                                 Mikis Theodorakis

Syrtaki from Movie “Alexis Sorbas”

 A Tribute to Gilbert Bécaud                                         arr. Roland Kernen

 A Tribute to Gilbert Becaud - arr. Roland Kernen

Gilbert Becaud (1927-2001) was one of the last world-famous writers and singers of the French chanson. He also composed film music, a cantata, a musical, and an opera, but his fame lies mainly in his songs and his beautiful voice.

After a performance in 1955 in the Parisian theater Olympia, where the audience went wild and nearly tore the place apart, the French chansonnier, who always performed in a blue suit and a dotted tie, received the nickname "Monsieur 100,000 volts."

Becaud wrote more than 400 chansons and scored many hits. Several of his melodies are printed in the memory of many people. In this arrangement for concert band and fanfare band, three of his most famous chansons have been used: Et maintenant, L'important c'est la rose, and Nathalie.

 Let Me Entertain You                                                     arr. Don Campbell

 Supreme I Road to Mandalay I Angels I Let Me Entertain You

The songs by the versatile singer and entertainer Robbie Williams have been storming the hit parades for a number of years, and fascinate a large audience. With this medley of four of his greatest successes, arranged by Don Campbell with great skill, you will certainly please your audience!