Red Planet – Lennert van Laenen – Brass Band

I. THE PLAN

For years there has been a plan to travel to Mars with five astronauts, with the goal of investigating whether humans could ever colonize this planet. This leaden journey, however, is not to be underestimated. For about nine months, the astronauts float around in the gigantic universe, with only each other. Red Planet begins with a furious tempo full of good cheer; then Lennert Van Laenen makes the atmosphere a little grimmer. The first solos follow one another, then the cornet closes this section with a cadenza.

II. TAKE OFF

After all the plans are made, the space team can leave. Lennert van Laenen lets this volume begin with the same vibe as the previous one; however, here the threat is really around the corner. The astronauts’ nerves are clearly audible. Some of the soloists describe their fears, but also their desire to explore the planet. Then the band slowly builds to a climax. The rocket takes off and silently disappears into the sky.

III. SPACELESS

Everything around them is black, with the presence of glittering stars. Two soloist astronauts introduce the third movement with a cadenza, after which the euphonium plays solos about the beauty of the universe. The mood remains resigned, until the first red glimmer can be seen in the distance. The end of the soprano cornet solo heralds the beginning of the first Mars landing in human history.

IV. TOUCHDOWN

The rocket lands on the red planet under four giant block chords; then a chorus in low brass slows the tuning. The astronauts let the beauty of the planet sink in for a moment during the duet of the cornet and euphonium.

V. RESEARCH

There is not much time to enjoy the scenery, as the spacemen must immediately get to work on their research. The trombone trio ushers in this quest with a marching tempo. While collecting samples, the astronauts frequently look around to enjoy the alien beauty; this can be heard in the melody lines that interrupt the fast-paced themes.

VI. FINAL

However, the astronauts cannot stay on Mars just yet. They take their time to look around the red planet one last time. After this, like the rocket, the pace quickens and the end of the adventure is in sight…. Lennert Van Laenen is a finalist in the European Composer Competition 2024 and winner of the audience award with Red Planet.