Fanfanfaren (1993)
(for 4 trumpets)

There are not many peaceful occasions to blow fanfares. Nowadays, however, wars are fought in such a way that there is no need for cheering music: Those classic cavalry signals of the field trumpeters, museum relics of the chivalric drive, would not even be heard today - in the age of the loudest missile attacks - with ear protection. Perhaps it is only now that this music has lost its original function that we can devote ourselves to the genre in a carefree manner.

The 12 numbers of this composition, commissioned by “Etoile Sonore” for the premiere in the Alsatian fortress town of Neuf-Brisach in September '93, combine different variations in tempo and character. What makes fanfares so appealing, the brief announcement of an imminent event, is realized here both through blaring sounds in a high register and through almost muted, subdued tones, as if lively measures of time were flowing along in slow motion. A complete performance of the score in one block is not the aim. The numbers should be played either individually or in groups of 2-4, possibly between other works on the program.

M.K.
(Translation by Edition Peters)