Creation Overture 1797, composed by Nicolas De Cock, was commissioned by the Koninklijke Harmonie Kalken to celebrate its remarkable 225th anniversary. As one of the oldest musical ensembles in Flanders, the orchestra carries more than two centuries of tradition, artistry, and community—elements that are vividly reflected in this celebratory composition by Nicolas De Cock.
The overture begins with a noble and dignified fanfare, where the brass section sets the tone with a bold and bright voice. This commanding introduction is skillfully contrasted with the light, playful interjections of the woodwinds, creating a dynamic interplay between strength and agility. A richly textured intermezzo follows, featuring warm and expressive lines from the saxophones and clarinets, painting a sonic portrait of the ensemble’s depth and character.
A shift to a tranquil meno mosso provides a moment of introspection and serenity, symbolizing the enduring bonds of friendship and mutual respect among the orchestra’s members. This peaceful passage serves as the emotional heart of the piece.
In its finale, the overture builds to a stirring climax. The brass section, led by the trumpets and trombones, drives the music forward with vigorous, rhythmic lines that pulse with energy and determination. These strong, percussive motifs provide a powerful foundation, propelling the music into a triumphant restatement of the opening theme. It is a unifying and celebratory conclusion that honors both the history and the vibrant present of the Koninklijke Harmonie Kalken.
Nicolas De Cock (1979) is a Belgian conductor, composer, orchestrator and arranger known for his dynamic and expressive compositions. His works exhilarate both musicians – whether they are strings, brass, woodwinds, or choir – while enthusing audiences with their energy and emotion.
Nicolas started his musical journey as a violinist, refining his craft under M. Bezverkhni. After his master’s degree in the violin, Nicolas honed his composition skills under the mentorship of Dirk Brossé. Nicolas’ creativity and expertise cannot be contained. His diverse portfolio spans different ensembles including chamber orchestra, choir, symphonic orchestra and Hafabra. He is also no stranger to film scoring, with notible contributions to a variety of film scores.
Beyond composing, Nicolas is a dedicated educator, sharing his deep knowledge of music theory, composition and orchestration at KADE in Deinze, inspiring the next generation of composers.
Nicolas’ music is more than just notes on a page, it’s an invitation to experience passion, emotion and boundless creativity.
