Composer: Florian Moitzi

Some people seem to be surrounded by a luminous aura that makes you feel comfortable and safe when you are near them. It is exactly this magical aura that is depicted in the piece "Shine" through music.

At first through atmospheric sounds in the brass, accompanied by pulsing eighth notes in the marimba. This is followed by the two main melodies of the piece. After a rhythmic transition, the same melodies resound again in a rocking groove style. There is a real sense of euphoria. A bridge in the minor key leads into the next section. Here excerpts of the two main melodies are partially presented soloistically. Gradually the sound becomes louder and fuller. The exuberant "joie de vivre" is expressed through changes of key and a percussion solo with brief orchestral interludes. Finally, first the second and then the first main melody sounds, the latter however fanfare-like and in half tempo. The piece ends - somewhat surprisingly - as it began: with the depiction of the luminous aura through atmospheric sounds.

This composition was created with the help of a contribution from the Music Investment Fund, an initiative of Buma/Stemra in cooperation with Voi©e, the Copyright Interests Federation and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in the Netherlands.

Shine

Composer: 
Vilém Blodek, arr. Wil van der Beek

Vilém Blodek (1834-1874) was a Czech composer and a contemporary of Bedřich Smetana, with whom he often collaborated. Deeply inspired by the folk music of his time, he infused his works with a natural, melodic simplicity rooted in the Bohemian musical tradition.

Although his life was short, Blodek left behind an impressive body of work: a symphony, a flute concerto, incidental music for plays, songs, and various choral and chamber compositions. His only completed opera, Im Brunnen (also known as V Studni or In the Well, 1867), was an immediate success and is regarded as an important precursor of the Czech national opera.

The Intermezzo from this opera is a subtle and atmospheric orchestral piece in which Blodek depicts the rising of the moon. The music breathes serenity: gentle melodic lines, refined orchestration, and dreamlike harmonies evoke the image of moonlight gliding over still waters. Yet beneath this calm lies a touch of melancholy - as if the composer, in this lyrical moment, sought a glimpse of inner peace before the tragic end of his life.

Intermezzo

Composer:
Davide Antonio Pedrazzini

Commissioned by the Highlands Ranch Concert Band (Colorado, USA) and dedicated to the memory of their clarinetist Michelle Marie Walker, Let’s Celebrate Life combines vitality, warmth, and emotion. After a calm and reflective introduction, the piece opens into a lively and sparkling section full of rhythmic energy. The central part features a touching clarinet solo before the joyful character returns, leading to a brilliant and spirited conclusion - a heartfelt tribute and a true celebration of life.

Let's Celebrate Life

Composer:
Florian Moitzi

The composition Rise Up to the Sky evokes a sense of upward movement and grandeur. It combines a fanfare-like funk rhythm with subtle Latin American influences, reflecting both dynamism and modernity.

The piece opens with powerful, alternating fanfare motifs in the high and low brass. A sustained pedal point in the bass creates tension, which resolves as the funk rhythm sets in. The modern groove symbolizes progress and technological innovation. The ascending melody portrays the striving upward, while modern ninth chords convey a feeling of floating into a new world. After a repetition of this melody, the introductory fanfare motif returns—this time more radiant and even more majestic. Graceful figures in the high woodwinds enhance the sense of euphoria and can be interpreted as an image of birds soaring past. With striking breaks and a key change, the tension continues to build. It feels as though the movement grows ever faster, as if one is rising higher and higher. Shortly afterward, a moment of calm follows: the ascending melody sounds gently in the brass, inviting the listener to pause—as if enjoying the view from a great height.

In the final section, the rhythm returns with full energy. Fragments of the opening melody appear in rapid succession, while quick harmonic shifts create a sense of acceleration. It is as if one were flying at high speed over landscapes, cities, rivers, and mountains. Ultimately, the brief drop of the lower instruments produces a floating sensation—but the renewed pedal point in the bass announces the ending. The music culminates in a grand and impressive finale, where the fanfare motifs shine forth one last time.

Rise Up To The Sky

Composer:
Johann Strauss Sohn, arr. Anton Burger

A Different Donau is a contemporary reinterpretation of Johann Strauss Jr.’s famous An der schönen blauen Donau. While Strauss’s waltz (apart from the slow 6/8 introduction) gently flows in 3/4 time, this version moves freely in a 4/4 Latin-style rhythm — as if the Danube itself decided to take a different course.

Arranger Anton Burger, who sadly passed away far too soon, was often inspired by the legendary Spike Jones. Like Jones, Burger plays with musical expectations: he transforms a classical masterpiece into a witty, sometimes hilarious experience. Don’t expect chaos, but rather carefully orchestrated humor - every sound, accent, and musical joke is planned and executed with meticulous precision. It is therefore essential to perform the music exactly as written, and some rehearsal time will certainly be required.

Jones was known for his virtuosic parodies full of unexpected sound effects, playful timing, and an irresistible blend of musical perfection and comic absurdity. A Different Donau breathes that same spirit: a cheerful wink to tradition, a tribute to craftsmanship, and an invitation to listen with fresh ears.

Let yourself be carried away - not by Strauss’s waltz, but by the playful current of Burger’s Danube.


A Different Donau

A Different Donau - based on "An der schönen Blauen Donau"

Composer:
Paul Simon, arr. Anton Burger

Bridge Over Troubled Water is one of the most iconic and moving songs in pop music history. Written by Paul Simon and released in 1970 by the legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel, the song quickly became a worldwide hit. The ballad is known for its comforting message and majestic build-up, in which a simple piano accompaniment grows into a grand, orchestral climax. The song won multiple Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year, and has since been covered countless times by artists from a wide variety of genres. The timeless combination of its heartwarming melody and hopeful lyrics makes it a beloved classic, both on the concert stage and in popular music.

For concert band, Anton Burger created a beautiful and versatile arrangement that captures both the intimacy and the grandeur of the original. A unique feature of this arrangement is that the solo part is available for nearly all (solo) instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, trumpet, flugelhorn, soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophone, horn, (bass) trombone, euphonium, and of course also for voice. This gives ensembles the freedom to tailor the performance to their own instrumentation and tonal colors. In the final section, the solo part becomes two-part, and it is recommended that the second voice be played by another instrument (possibly in a lower octave) to add extra depth to the sound.

To capture the original Simon & Garfunkel atmosphere as closely as possible, the addition of (electric) guitar, bass guitar, and piano is strongly recommended. These instruments contribute an authentic pop sound and make the overall performance richer and more complete. With its warm harmonies, wide dynamic range, and emotional depth, this version for concert band offers an impressive concert experience that resonates with both musicians and audience alike.

Bridge Over Troubled Water remains a timeless tribute to comfort, friendship, and hope- now brilliantly translated into the world of concert bands.


Bridge Over Troubled Water

Bridge Over Troubled Water (+ Flugelhorn Solo)

Bridge Over Troubled Water (+ Euphonium Solo)

Bridge Over Troubled Water (without solo)

Composer:
Traditionals, arr. Johan Nijs

Mexican Jamboree is a colorful musical journey through the heart of Mexican folk music. This compilation brings together four iconic traditional songs – Cielito Lindo, La Golondrina, La Adelita, and Mexican Hat Dance – in a festive medley that perfectly captures the warmth, passion, and vitality of Mexico. The arrangement combines a fresh, modern sound with respect for the authentic melodies, allowing both connoisseurs and new listeners to enjoy this timeless music.

The medley opens with Cielito Lindo, perhaps the most recognizable Mexican folk song in the world. Written in the 19th century by Quirino Mendoza y Cortés, it is a cheerful love song known for its infectious refrain “Ay, ay, ay, ay, canta y no llores” (“Sing and don’t cry”). The piece is often performed at celebrations and has become a symbol of national pride and unity. Next comes La Golondrina (“The Swallow”), a touching song that expresses the melancholy of farewell and homesickness. Composed in the 19th century by Narciso Serradell Sevilla, it grew into an unofficial anthem for Mexicans forced to leave their homeland. Its gentle, wistful melody provides a beautiful contrast to the upbeat energy of the other pieces in the medley. With La Adelita, the spirit of the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920) comes alive. This traditional corridos song tells the story of a brave woman, Adelita, who joined the revolutionary fighters. Celebrating her courage and love of freedom, the song has become a symbol of female strength and patriotism. The medley concludes with the sparkling Mexican Hat Dance (Jarabe Tapatío), often considered the national dance of Mexico. This lively instrumental piece invites everyone to dance and celebrate, with its signature choreography featuring the sombrero making it an indispensable highlight of Mexican festivities. 

By weaving these four classics into a single piece, Mexican Jamboree offers a vibrant tribute to Mexico’s rich musical heritage.


Mexican Jamboree

Composer:
Dick Le Mair

In Paseo Por La Playa, the composer takes you on a musical stroll along a sun-drenched coastline. After a short introduction featuring a trumpet solo, the music starts to groove and doesn’t let go. The rhythmic patterns, enhanced by subtle yet characteristic percussion, evoke the atmosphere of a lively Caribbean beach, where every warm breeze seems to carry a hint of music.

As the band continues to blossom, you feel the sun on your skin and the sand between your toes. You sit relaxed with a drink at the beach bar while the sounds dance around you. The colourful orchestra bursts into swing, each section contributing to an increasingly rich and full sound that effortlessly transports you into a world of joy, relaxation, and carefree summer vibes.

With the setting sun turning the sky into shades of gold and orange, you are surrounded by a sense of pure delight in life. Paseo Por La Playa is more than a piece of music: it is a celebration of the moment, a reminder of everything that makes life beautiful, and an invitation to pause and enjoy the summery magic heard in every measure.


Paseo Por La Playa

Composer:
Fritz Neuböck

To appropriately celebrate its 125th anniversary, the city band of Owen (Germany) commissioned Austrian composer Fritz Neuböck to write a composition. You're Welcome – this short and simple greeting is familiar to us all from various holidays – it simply means: “nice that you're here.” And with exactly that message, “nice that you're here,” the city band of Owen wanted to welcome its audience at the anniversary concert in 2025.

Fritz Neuböck gladly fulfilled the wish for an “uplifting piece” that includes quotes from the 17th-century German hymn Geh aus, mein Herz, und suche Freud. You're Welcome is perfectly suited as an opening piece for any concert, or as an introduction to the second part of a program. The cheerful mood is sure to spill over from the band to the audience.


Shine

Tierolff

Related tracks