The renowned music publisher Molenaar presents its new releases for the year 2025/2026. This impressive collection for harmony orchestra includes both sombre, reflective works and optimistic compositions that radiate hope and confidence. Under the title “Of dark times and a bright silver lining on the horizon”, we would like to present the various facets of this musical journey.
Several of Molenaar’s new works are dedicated to historical themes and the pain associated with war and violence. These compositions take up emotional and historical aspects of conflicts and invite the audience to immerse themselves in a time full of suffering, but also full of human strength and endurance.
Alex Poelmann takes us on a journey with “1944” into the final year of the Second World War. The composition captures the dark atmosphere of this time – characterized by fear, destruction and hope for an early end to the conflict. The powerful, dramatic passages reflect the fighting and chaos, while melancholy melodies convey the hope of freedom and peace.
“A Farewell to Arms” and “Elegy to Victims of War” by Harrie Janssen. He presents two works that deal with the tragedy of war.“A Farewell to Arms” deals with the farewell to arms and the desire for a peaceful future, inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s novel of the same name. Janssen succeeds in translating the protagonists’ emotional conflict between a sense of duty and the longing for an end to killing into music. In“Elegy to Victims of War“, Janssen honors the countless victims who have lost their lives in conflicts around the world. This poignant work is a sombre but beautiful reminder of the pain and loss that war brings. The profound music is both a lament for the fallen and a warning to the living.
Eric Swiggers‘ “Farewell” is a painful, musical exploration of farewell and loss. The work is characterized by a melancholy atmosphere and leads the orchestra through a dark, emotional landscape in which grief and hope wrestle with each other. The theme of farewell is presented here in a variety of musical ways, from intimate, quiet passages to powerful, orchestral outbursts.
With “The Legend of Carthage“, Paco Pena Munoz draws on historical events that mark the downfall of an entire civilization. The city of Carthage, once a powerful trading centre, was destroyed by armed conflict. The work is characterized by dramatic twists and turns that illustrate the fall of Carthage in all its tragedy and splendour. At the same time, the question resonates: Could this be the story of every civilization brought down by war?
Valdemar Gomes leaves his mark in “San Pedro de Alcantara” brings the dark times of Spanish history back to life. The work is a tribute to the suffering and sacrifices made during the warlike conflicts in Spain, particularly in a religious context. With dramatic musical twists and turns and intense melodies, Gomes creates a haunting work that touches the listener deeply.
A silver lining on the horizon
In addition to the sombre, reflective works, Molenaar offers a series of compositions that focus on hope and joy. These works reflect the “silver lining on the horizon” that allows hope to germinate again after times of darkness.
“Who Knows?” by Eduardo M. Brito is an optimistic, almost playful work that surprises the listener with its lightness and unexpected musical twists and turns. The composition plays with the idea of the unpredictable and reminds us that life is full of surprises that often bring us happiness and satisfaction in unexpected ways.
Alexandre Carlin brings with “Solemnity” is a solemn, uplifting work that honors the solemn moments of life. The composition radiates a positive seriousness and combines calm and strength in a majestic sound. It is a work that captivates with its clarity and dignity, while at the same time conveying hope and a peaceful confidence.
In “The Skier” by Andrew Pearce, we hear the dynamic and cheerful depiction of a skier gliding through the snowy mountains. The music is lively and full of energy, evoking images of freedom and adventure. Pearce uses a fast tempo and infectious rhythms to capture the fun and ease of winter sports – an ideal soundtrack for carefree moments.
Michael Gesiler presents “La Citta“, an upbeat, lively composition. Light, dance-like elements and cheerful melodies permeate the work, which is carried by a carefree summer mood. Here, you can sense the optimism and cheerfulness that make life colourful and lively again after difficult times.
Guillaume Detrez tells the story of “Aa – The Path of a Small River” tells a story of gentle, constant movement. The work follows the course of a small river and invites the listener to reflect on the quiet, peaceful moments of nature. With gentle sounds and flowing melodies, this piece embodies the path of life finding peace again after the turmoil of war.
At the end of this journey through dark times and hopeful moments, one question remains unanswered: What is “Satierf Odracir“? The title of this mysterious work seems enigmatic, but a closer look reveals that it is a playful allusion.
With the new publications for 2025/2026 for harmony music, Molenaar offers an impressive range of works that reflect both the horrors of the past and the hopes of the future. From somber war themes to bright, life-affirming compositions to experimental surprises, this collection has something for every orchestra and audience. It reminds us that dark times are always followed by a silver lining, and that music has the power to express both pain and hope in unforgettable ways.
For fanfare orchestras, Molenaar has developed its own collection of novelties
