Fanfare del Popolo

Fanfare del Popolo - fanfare of the people - is a reminder of the terrible periods of fascism and dictatorship in world history. It describes a revolution of the oppressed against the tyrant. The people storm the bastions of the dominion and take their fate into their own hands. This fanfare was commissioned by the Symphonic Band Vorarlberg and its conductor Thomas Ludescher. It is dedicated to all people who currently have to live in countries under dictatorship. This item makes an ideal opening work for any concert.

Fanfare del Popolo

La Forza del Destino

La Forza del Destino

Stratosphere

What do the American Joseph Kittinger and the Austrian Felix Baumgartner have in common? They both jumped from over 30km high with a parachute. While Kittinger’s attempt on 16 August 1960 was from a height of ‘only’ 31,333 meters, Felix Baumgartnerbroke this record on 14 October 2012 with a breath-taking 38,969 meters.This composition Stratosphere describes the adventure, from climbing into the capsule with help of a balloon, to the short pause in the stratosphere, and the jump, the turbulence during the free-fall descent, and finally the opening of theparachute and the safe landing.

Coro degli Armigeri

A technique much employed by Verdi is to alternate main scenes of a drama with others which allow the listener to relax temporarily. These moments are often entrusted to the choir (as in the case of the well-known Rataplan in La forza del destino). In Trovatore, the soldiers’ chorus precedes the scene of the capture of the gipsy woman Azucena by Conte di Luna’s men. The soldiers are about to attack the fortress of Castellor in which Manrico (the troubadour) and Leonora, together with many other rebels, have found shelter. The very easy-going choir is in blunt contrast to the following scene in which Ferrando, the loyal squire of Conte di Luna, recognizes theold gipsy woman. This recognition marks the beginning of wicked developments for all protagonists in this drama.

Coro degli Armigeri

A technique much employed by Verdi is to alternate main scenes of a drama with others which allow the listener to relax temporarily. These moments are often entrusted to the choir (as in the case of the well-known Rataplan in La forza del destino). In Trovatore, the soldiers’ chorus precedes the scene of the capture of the gipsy woman Azucena by Conte di Luna’s men. The soldiers are about to attack the fortress of Castellor in which Manrico (the troubadour) and Leonora, together with many other rebels, have found shelter. The very easy-going choir is in blunt contrast to the following scene in which Ferrando, the loyal squire of Conte di Luna, recognizes theold gipsy woman. This recognition marks the beginning of wicked developments for all protagonists in this drama.

Omaggio a Bellini : Sinfonia

This attractive overture by Saverio Mercadante is an important example of original composition for band from the 19th century. Mercadante was inspired by themes by Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835) from his most famous operas such as Norma and La Sonnambula. Mercadante’s method of composing was similar to Verdi’s, who wrote overtures using themes from his operas (such as the overtures to Nabucco and La Forza del Destino, for example). The result is a fascinating alternation of lyric and dramatic moments, ending in a fast and enthralling finale. This arrangement offers contemporary concert bands access to a composition otherwise forgotten due to itsobsolete instrumentation, which differs dramatically from the present one. The original instrumentation included the following instruments: Flute, Eb Clarinet, Bb Clarinets 1-2-3-4-, Eb Horns 1-2-3-4, Bb Flugel Horn, Bb Cornets 1-2, Trombones 1-2-3, Bb Bass Flugel Horn, Bb Tenor Horn, “Pelittoni” (Contrabass Flugel Horns) 1-2, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbals. The adaptation to a contemporary instrumentation has been accomplished by taking into account the original ideas, so as to maintain the authentic character of the composition.