Extreme Make-Over - Metamorphoses on a Theme by Tchaikovsky for Brass Band

This new work by Johan de Meij consists of a set of metamorphoses on a theme from Tchaikovsky's well-knownAndante cantabile (from String Quartet No.1 in D). Tchaikovsky stated, "Never have I been so proud of my creative powers as when Leo Tolstoy sat in the chair next to mine listening to my Andante, and the tears ran down his cheeks." De Meij states the theme, followed by the first metamorphosis, which emanates from a single tone. There is a transition to Alla Marcia, which is in a neo-classical style. The following movement features the playing of tuned bottles, leading into an extensive marimba solo. This joins seamlessly to the finale, a canonic treatment of the theme, leading to a festive conclusion.