Castellum

This work consists of two movements. The first part is rather quiet and pastoral in character, written in a gently rocking 12/8 time and expressing the tranquillity of the area around the medieval town of Oudenburg in Belgium. After a beautiful orchestral climax the second section, inspired by the Roman past of Oudenburg, begins. A somewhat oppressive and impending introduction leads to the musical reflection of an army parade: Oudenburg was a so-called “castellum,” and the remains of the fortress are still visible in the current town plan. A more dynamic passage follows featuring the low brass. After that, the solemn rhythm of the parade is recaptured, culminating in atriumphant ending.