Jan van der Roost

Hymnus Antverpiae

This hymn was commissioned by 'Antwerpen 93'. And this city, on the banks of the river Schelde has been nominated 'Cultural Capital of Europe' for 1993. The work-group 'animatie' took the initiative and commissioned a hymn, which -as the finale to a grand open-air event on 27th March- was premièred by hundreds of musicians from all over Europe. Philippe Langlet (France) was the conductor at this majestic occasion.

Musically speaking the piece can no doubt be labeled easy. Indeed it is meant to represent a hymn, playable by all in different instrumental combinations. Consequently a variable instrumentation was chosen and a type of music, which by native is easily accessible and uncomplicated. The conductor is free -in the instrumentation- to score this piece according to his own taste. It is perhaps advisable to use the sharp brass in the forte parts, in order to make the range in the sound of the orchestra as colourful as possible. The percussion parts are not absolutely essential, so that the hymn can also be performed without percussion.