Serge Lancen

Cinquantieme

Cinquantieme, the fiftieth composition for symphonic band by Serge Lancen, was composed in the fall of 1993. It is written in an overture form and built on four distinct themes. First there is a merry and dynamic March, followed by a Waltz of the same character; then comes a small melody and finally the March turns up again, but this time it ends with a triumphant theme. The overture is dedicated to Alain Thiery and his Symphonic Band of Pont-Ste-Marie/La-vau/Creney. It was premiered during the gala concert closing the 120th anniversary celebrations of that band. The number in the title 'Cinquantieme' (Fiftieth), indicates the richness of Lancen's wind band repertoire. Fascinated by the symphonic band's extremely rich range of tone colours, Lancen has devoted all his talent and passion to it. For this type of orchestra he has written symphonies, rhapsodies, several concertos and even religious compositions with choirs and soloists. He is now finishing his fifty-first composition which is another religious work.