In a new move by Foundation NBK, the organisers of the 2026 Netherlands National Championships, the set-works for the event will be announced in turn over the following five weeks.
First Division
The first is 'Inner Citadel' by Geert Jan Kroon (above), which will test the bands in the First Division in Utrecht in October.
A joint commission alongside the DBBV (Germany) and VLAMO (Belgium), it takes its inspiration from Stoic philosophy — and specifically the life and thoughts of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the last of the 'Five Good Emperors' who reigned from 161-180 CE.
Marcus Aurelius
In writing about his work, Geert Jan Kroon states: "Besides portraying the life of Marcus Aurelius, this piece is also a personal reflection. It is a musical representation of my own 'Inner Citadel': the anxiety that can arise from meaningful opportunities and expectations; feelings of anger, excitement, and dejection.
Yet, alongside this struggle lies the calm and reassurance that philosophy can offer: the insight that we have no control over external circumstances, only over our own thoughts and actions."
Inner Citadel
Marcus Aurelius wrote his 'Meditations' ('Things Unto Himself') as a stoic perspective — the concept of the 'Inner Citadel' being an internal fortress where one can retreat, untouched by events beyond their control. It suggests that it is not the outside world that defines us, but our reaction to it.
The composer provides a musical narrative of the life of Marcus Aurelius thematically — episodes appearing as either mental or emotional landscapes, from the unrest and severity of the Marcomannic Wars, to disruption caused by plague and floods, the pain of betrayal by a trusted friend to moments of disillusionment.
This is contrasted by his meditative reflections turning inward in search of clarity and discipline. The work culminates in one of the most enduring principles of his philosophy: Memento mori—remember that you must die — a call to awareness, humility, and purpose—an acceptance of mortality as a source of focus and meaning.
it takes its inspiration from Stoic philosophy — and specifically the life and thoughts of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the last of the 'Five Good Emperors' who reigned from 161-180 CE4BR
Composer
Geert Jan Kroon (1981) is a much respected composer, educator, content creator and performer who has written extensively for the brass band medium. His works have been used at the Dutch, Norwegian, Swiss, North American and French National Championships.
