Klaas Coulembier

Steam!

The piece Steam! was commissioned by the Belgian Koninklijke Stadsfanfaren Izegem on the occasion of their participation in the World Music Contest (WMC) in Kerkrade in 2026.

The work was inspired by the largest surviving steam engine in Belgium, which is kept in Izegem and can be visited. The mechanical character of the machine is reflected in an energetic overture full of surprising twists. You can hear the regular pulsation of the pistons, the smooth turning of the gears and the excess steam escaping hissing.

All instrumental groups appear in a lively perpetual motion machine until an unexpected chorale provides a moment of calm. This is followed by a festive passage before the recurring motoric rhythm gains momentum again and finally leads to a spectacular finale.