Castellum

This work, in two movements, was written for the 50th anniversary of “Harmonie St. Cecilia” in Oudenburg, Belgium, and is dedicated to its conductor, Arne Wyntin.The first part is rather quiet and pastoral in character, and is written in a gently rocking 12/8 time. The tranquility of the area around the medieval town of Oudenburg, a rustic region not far from the North Sea, is expressed in a striking fashion. After a beautiful orchestral climax, the second part begins, which is inspired by the Roman past of Oudenburg. A somewhat oppressive and impending introduction leads to the musical reflection of an army parade: Oudenburg was a so-called “castellum,” and the remains ofthe fortress are still visible in the current town plan. A more dynamic passage follows featuring the low brass. After that, the solemn rhythm of the parade is recaptured, culminating in a triumphant ending.