Concert Band

Three City Sketches

Grade 4 | 13 Mins

Three City Sketches was commissioned for Soli Deo Gloria Alkmaar from the Netherlands, who gave the premiere on 7th October 2017 in the St. Lawrence Church, Alkmaar, conducted by André Elders.

The work was funded by a legacy from, and in memory of, Thea Hollander, a former trumpet player with the orchestra who sadly died in 2014 as a result of a stroke which she suffered during a rehearsal.

The work’s three movements depict different aspects of the orchestra’s home town.

1. NEW HORIZONS – THE COMING OF THE RAILWAYS

Alkmaar dates back to before the 10th century. It was granted city rights in 1254, but it was not until the 1860s, when railway lines were built between Alkmaar, Den Helder and Haarlem, that the city began to grow to the size it is today. This opening movement describes a pleasant journey in a steam train.

2. TOWER MUSIC – ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH

As a tribute to Thea Hollander, Philip Sparke decided that this middle movement should feature a trumpet solo. Research revealed that Alkmaar-born composer, Willem de Fesch (1687-1761) spent some time as organist at the St. Lawrence Church and this movement is an arrangement of his Concerto in Bb, op 3. No 2.

3. 8th OCTOBER 1573 – VICTORY BEGINS AT ALKMAAR

In 1573 the city underwent a siege by Spanish forces under the leadership of Don Fadrique. The Prince of Orange decided to open the floodgates of the dykes and flood the region and, as the waters began to rise, the Spaniards raised the siege and fled. It was a turning point in the Eighty Years War and gave rise to the expression Bij Alkmaar begint de victorie (Victory begins at Alkmaar). The event is still celebrated every year in Alkmaar on 8th October, the day the siege ended.

These dramatic events are described in this final movement.