“Don Quixote” is riding again.

The CD“Don Quixote” by the Ad Hoc Wind Orchestra, conducted by Jean-Pierre Haeck and Hardy Mertens, presents a fascinating selection of pieces that demonstrate the broad spectrum of wind music. The compilation of works ranges from classical arrangements to modern compositions and offers a varied listening experience. The CD was released by HaFaBra Music in Belgium and comprises 15 tracks covering various musical styles and eras.

1. Pas redoublé (Saint-Saens Camille/Schyns José): This lively march composition by Camille Saint-Saëns, arranged by José Schyns, opens the CD with a lively and energetic piece that emphasizes the technical brilliance of the orchestra.
2. Yosuke Fukudas “Heijo Corridorm” is a colorful and rhythmically complex composition that skillfully combines oriental sounds and modern brass music. Heijo-kyo, the old Japanese capital of Nara, is a place of incomparable beauty and historical significance. Amidst the rolling hills and green plains of the Japanese countryside, this ancient city stands as a testament to Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
3. Don Quixote (HAECK Jean-Pierre): The title track, composed by Jean-Pierre Haeck, is a musical narration of the adventures of Don Quixote. The composition is characterized by its dramatic and expressive orchestration and brings the characters of the famous novel to life.
4. Stephen Bullas “Ode to Lincolnshire” is a tribute to the English countryside, characterized by lyrical melodies and harmonious textures that reflect the beauty and tranquillity of the region. The composition is a musical tribute to this important English county. This work remains a significant piece in the repertoire for wind band and a tribute to the historical and cultural importance of Lincolnshire.
5. Rossano Galante whisks listeners away with “The rings of Saturn” into the vastness of outer space. The work is epic and majestic, with a tonal palette that captures the mesmerizing mystique of Saturn.
6. When we sing to the water, the water can hear usMaxime Aulio’s piece is a poetic and meditative composition that captivates with its calm and flowing melodies. It is a reminder of the deep connection between man and nature. Mount Mazama is a majestic volcano in the Cascade Range in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Its history is closely linked to the Klamath Indian tribe, who have lived in this region for centuries. This connection between nature and culture has made Mount Mazama a symbolic place that is not only geologically fascinating, but also has a rich cultural significance for the Klamath Indians.
7. “Soaring with the eagles” by Matt Bandman is an inspiring and powerful composition that musically translates the majestic image of eagles in flight. The dynamic structure and soaring melodies convey a sense of freedom and grandeur.
8. In “Bardo“, Hardy Mertens and Bert Dirks combine traditional elements with contemporary sounds to create a mystical and atmospheric soundscape that transports the listener to another world.
9. The “Fire Festival Polka” by Josef Strauss, arranged by Yo Kitano, is a lively and cheerful piece that demonstrates the virtuosity of the orchestra and the lightness of classical dance music.
10. Hardy Mertens’ “Astro Jam” is an innovative and creative composition that combines astrological themes with musical expression in a fascinating way. The six parts of the work offer a rich palette of moods and characters that do justice to both the astrological signs and the culinary metaphors. “Astro Jam” remains an outstanding example of music’s ability to convey complex and multi-layered ideas in a playful and accessible way.
11. A la nanita nana (Gomis José Ramón/Smeets Roland): This traditional Spanish lullaby arrangement by Roland Smeets adds a gentle and soothing touch to the program, with tender melodies and a lovely orchestration.
12. Pär Frederiksson’s arrangement of Michael Giacchino’s “Lightyear” is an exciting and adventurous piece that captures the dynamics and magic of film music. The suite for wind orchestra by Pär Fredriksson extends this experience by presenting the most important themes of the film in a new musical format. The movements “Buzz Lightyear”, “Zurg” and “Hawthorne” offer a diverse and emotional journey through the world of “Lightyear”, allowing listeners to experience the story and characters in a deeper way.
13. Jean-Pierre Haeck’s swinging version of “Jingle Bells” brings a festive and jazzy mood to the CD. The piece is lively and radiates Christmas joy in a unique style.
14. With “It’s a funny day“, Jean-Pierre Haeck offers a cheerful and lively work that captivates with its catchy melodies and cheerful character. With its modern and catchy music, the piece delights both young and old listeners and shows that brass music can be much more than traditional marching music or classical works. It is a fresh and rousing composition that inspires the audience and makes hearts vibrate.
15. “Soulman” is a song by the French singer and songwriter Ben l’Oncle Soul. Released in 2010, the song quickly established itself as one of the artist’s best-known tracks and contributed significantly to his breakthrough. Ben l’Oncle Soul, whose real name is Benjamin Duterde, is known for his mixture of soul, jazz and R&B, which is strongly inspired by the music of the 1960s and 1970s. “Soulman” is a prime example of his unique style and his ability to combine retro sounds with modern flair.

The CD “Don Quixote” by the Ad Hoc Wind Orchestra under the direction of Jean-Pierre Haeck and Hardy Mertens is an impressive collection of works that demonstrate the versatility and richness of wind music. From classical arrangements to modern compositions, the CD offers a varied and exciting listening experience. Particularly noteworthy are the dramatic interpretation of “Don Quixote”, the epic sounds of “The rings of Saturn” and the swinging festivity of “Jingle bells in the mood”. Under the direction of Haeck and Mertens, the Ad Hoc Wind Orchestra delivers an outstanding musical performance, bringing each composition to life with energy and precision.