St. Martin's Suite

The first movement (Andante Pomposo) describes Martin, a soldier in the Roman army. In Andante Moderato we see the image of Martin, who become a Christian and chooses to devote his life to God. In this movement, the composer was inspired by the Brabantine gothic art of the Sint Martinus Basilica in Halle. The contrast between the dark Basilica and the statue of Our Lady between the soaring pillars will vividly come to life for audiences of this descriptive piece. The final movement, Allegro Molto Vivace’, could have been an image for a frivolous peasant in the Halle carnival. In a triptych about St. Martin it is more fitting to refer to it as an apotheosis, the crown on the pastoral work of Martin, Bishop of Tours, Patron Saint of the Fanfare Band and the Basilica of Halle.