Foundation NBK, have revealed the identity of the Third Division test-piece to be used at the Dutch National Championships later this year in Utrecht.

Spirit of Life

'Spirit of Life' is an arrangement by Philip Harper of a well-established work from the wind band repertoire written by composer Meindert Boekel (1914-1989).

It has been commissioned by the NBK Foundation in part by a contribution from the Repertoire Information Centre (RIC), affiliated with Musidesk/Rijnbrink in Deventer.

It follows the announcement made last week that 'Inner Citadel' by Geert Jan Kroon will be used in the First Division. Further announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

Singing qualities

Meindert Boekel was a noted organist and choral conductor, who viewed wind instruments as an extension of the human voice. This affinity with the 'singing' qualities of brass instruments led him to become an important catalyst for the Dutch brass band movement.

In 1955, he was involved in the founding of Brassband Amsterdam and in 1962 he helped form the National Brassband Amsterdam which he led for over 25 years.

His compositions are rooted in deep emotion, composition "an inner activity", as he described it, guided by "the pure joy of creation".

Turbulent period

'Spirit of Life' was written in 1971 following a turbulent period in his life. It marks a musical expression of reclaimed vitality, tracing his journey 'from shadow into light'.

Philip Harper has created his 12-minute arrangement specifically for the 2026 Dutch Championships and stated: "I was delighted to be asked to make a brass band version of this gem of a piece by Meindert Boekel.

It was a joy to get to know it through transcription and I'm sure that bands will appreciate its melodies, rhythms and musical themes."

It was a joy to get to know it through transcription and I'm sure that bands will appreciate its melodies, rhythms and musical themesPhilip Harper

Lovely music

He added: "I've added a tuned percussion part, but otherwise I tried to remain faithful and respectful to the original score, which I know has been loved and cherished by wind bands for many decades. I hope brass bands can now enjoy everything that this lovely music has to offer."

Find out more:

Spirit of Life (Meindert Boekel, arr. Philip Harper)
Publisher: Molenaar Edition | https://www.molenaar.com/details/21186/21186/nl)