Cat No. JM46361
Price £83.00
Composer: Bertrand Moren
Categories: TEST PIECES (Major Works), LIGHT CONCERT MUSIC

This three-movement concert work takes its inspiration from the picturesque Swiss town of Sion and its castles and churches dating from the Middle Ages.

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Bertrand Moren attempts to imagine what life was like at the time these great buildings were constructed. With this piece you can take your band back to ancient times, mixing modal religious themes with the gory battles on the town walls!

Ancient Monuments - A Suite in Three Movements

Sion is the capital of the Valais region in southwest Switzerland. This picturesque town is dominated by the famous hills of Valeria (Valère) and Tourbillon that rise from the valley followed by the River lThône. Tourbillon Castle and Valeria Castle, with its famous church tower, date from the Middle Ages and nestle quietly in the hills of the ancient town of Sion,

The piece consists of three contrasting movements:
1. Tourbillon
Although Tourbillon Castle was built as fortress, it was also the home of the noblemen who were in charge of protecting the town against attack. The castle seemed unassailable, but today, apart from the external walls, little is left standing. Thu rbil!on opens with majestic and sonorous chords that introduce the main theme of the movement and give an overview of the castle. A second theme with war-like melodies evokes the many bloody battles that took place on the town walls.

2.Valère (Valeria)
Valeria Church, which is still going strong after more than 800 years, is perched at the top of the steep hill on the southern side of Valais. Masses are still occasionally performed in this magnificent church. A rare gem can be found in Valeria Church, Europe’s oldest playable organ. Some of the world’s greatest organists come to Sion to play on this fabulous instrument. The liturgically inspired music of this movement is serene and is characterised by the use of medal themes. The movement gradually builds in intensity and climaxes in a series of large and stately chords reminding us of the beautiful sound of the organ.

3. Street Scenes
The music of the final movement is extremely lively and joyful. It depicts historical street scenes with taverns and inns crowded with people drinking and dancing, bustling open-air markets, etc. The rhythmical treatment is full of irregular time signatures offering the conductor and musicians the opportunity to prove their skills.
Duration 9.00