Purchase Against Time, Furia, and Valse de mon frère together and receive a special bundled price here.
Against Time originated entirely through improvisation. The piece was not conceived from a predetermined formal or rhythmic structure; instead, its material emerged spontaneously and was subsequently transcribed and fixed in notation. The composer’s own assessment of the resulting score was that it looked “rather complicated.” That complexity is particularly apparent in the rhythmic language. Frequent changes of metre and an extensive use of irregular time signatures create a constantly shifting bounce, with accents and phrase structures often working against a predictable pulse. Yet beneath this rhythmic instability lies a distinctly straightforward musical character: an energetic, uplifting folk tune with a strong sense of forward motion. The result is a playful contrast between an apparently intricate score and music that remains direct, spontaneous and decidedly feel-good.
Belgian composer, accordionist and multi-instrumentalist Ivan Smeulders (1974) is recognised as one of Belgium’s most versatile musicians. Classically trained on the accordion at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp, he has developed a distinctive musical voice that effortlessly bridges classical music, jazz, world music, folk traditions and contemporary styles. Throughout his career, his curiosity and openness to diverse musical influences have shaped a rich musical journey. As both performer and composer, Smeulders has collaborated with numerous leading artists and ensembles. He is widely known for his long-standing musical partnership with Belgian singer Bart Peeters. As arranger, producer and musical director, his work extend to theatre, film and television. His own projects showcase his passion for expressive melodies, rhythmic vitality and colourful instrumental textures. Ivan Smeulders’ compositions are characterised by their accessibility, emotional depth and inventive orchestration. Whether writing for chamber ensembles, concert bands or solo instruments, his music combines technical craftsmanship with expressive lyricism and colourful orchestration.
Els De Sadeleer (1992) is a Belgian composer, music educator, clarinetist, and percussionist. She began her musical journey at the August De Boeck Academy in Asse. Soon Els performed with the local wind band—first on clarinet and later as a percussionist. With her unique blend of personal expression and solid theoretical knowledge, Els creates music that speaks to a wide audience. Her passion for composition began at an early age, sparked by playful experimentation with music notation software. That early curiosity blossomed into a deep commitment to the craft, leading her to study at LUCA School of Arts, Campus Lemmens. There, she earned a Master’s in Music Pedagogy, a Bachelor’s in Composition, and a teaching degree, studying under composers Jeroen D’Hoe and Pieter Schuermans. As a seasoned arranger, Els has shown her aptitude for HaFaBra. Her experience in arranging nurtured her technical skills and led to a whole scala of original compositions. She composes for a wide range of ensembles, including wind bands, choirs, solo instruments, and chamber groups. Her works are known for their craftsmanship and joy of performance—music that is both rewarding to play and engaging to hear.
