Bart Picqueur

Moretus

Jan Moretus (1543-1610) was a book printer and publisher in his native city of Antwerp. He worked as assistant to his father-in-law, the renowned master printer and publisher Christoffel Plantijn. After Plantijn's death in 1589 Moretus took over the business. The composition Moretus consists of four parts that draw on the remarkable personality of Jan Moretus as well as the printing business. In both the titles of the movements and the thematic structure we can see a certain symmetry: a playful allusion to the process of printing. Part 1, A Celebrated Gentleman , describes the illustrious figure of Moretus in a festive chorale. In the second part, Expressive Impressions , the printing press itself is brought to life in repeated motifs - despite the industrial, mechanical nature of the process, the product always has an artistic and cultural dimension. In the third part, Impressive Expression , the wind band is invited (or challenged), to intone the slow theme with a poignant expressiveness. Part 4, A Gentle Celebration , is a celebratory finale with a fresh theme.