Snow Island (Thierry Deleruyelle)

De Haske | 10 minutes 

The composer writes:

The Swiss canton of Valais is renowned for the qualify of its musicians and orchestras, such as wind bands and brass bands. It is home to a number of ensembles that regularly top the podium at Swiss and European competitions. For the general public, the Valais is above all a unique place, between the Rhône Glacier and Lake Geneva where life is good. The skiing is great in winter, particularly in Crans-Montana, which offers breathtaking 180-degree panoramic views. This tourist destination has developed since the late 19thcentury to become an internationally renowned “island of snow”.

The brass players of the five music associations of the villages of Crans-Montana were awarded the organisation of the 2024 cantonal festival, for which this work was commissioned. It depicts the dynamism of the resort through a lively first part based on a motif featuring a rhythm imbued with adventure and challenge. This is followed by a slower, more melodic section, a gentle, expressive theme highlighting the talent of the band’s soloists. The piece ends with a short and brilliant coda.

This work was commissioned by the Cantonal Associations of Valais, Bern, Jura, Geneva, Solothurn and Innerschweiz, and was chosen as the compulsory piece in the second category of the 2024 cantonal celebrations.