Biberussa

‘Biberussa’, the old name of the small town of Beverst in Belgium, is a combination of the words ‘biber’ and ‘ussa’, meaning beaver and river. This concert march was composed for the 100th anniversary of the Koninklijke Harmonie (Royal Concert Band) ‘Ons Verlangen’ from Beverst, a place where the composer had his first musical training. After the opening passage, a proud, heroic theme is heard. As a contrast, it is followed by a simple chorale melody and both themes then appear simultaneously in a grand tutti passage. This is followed by a cantabile trio with a majestic reprise of the main theme bringing the work to a close.