[Book]

The Royal Symphonic Band of the Belgian Guides
A legendary wind band

(Francis Pieters)

The Royal Symphonic Band of the Belgian Guides - A legendary wind band - Francis Pieters

The Royal Symphonic Band of the Belgian Guides – A legendary wind band is a comprehensive book of 532 pages, lavishly illustrated with over 600 pictures, written by Francis Pieters, an internationally acknowledged historian of wind band music, author of nine more books and over one thousand specialized articles dealing with the matter.

The book does not only relate the complete history of Belgium’s oldest professional orchestra but also describes its impact on the musical history of Belgium. The role of this military wind band appears to be, to have been and still is of vital importance as to inciting numerous Belgian composers to write for wind band, setting an example for the countless amateur wind bands of the country (and even abroad), being a most precious link between the Army and the civilian population, offering a fine career to numerous professional wind players and much more.

Also included is a detailed and complete survey of the Band’s quite exceptional discography not equaled by any other wind band worldwide.

Throughout its history the exquisite quality of the Belgian Guides Band (as it has commonly been called) has been praised by numerous great composers ranging from Hector Berlioz to Igor Stravinsky and the Band is still considered as one of the very best wind bands in the world. The author has thoroughly analyzed and described all facets of this wind orchestra since 1832 and aims to make known this part of Belgium’s cultural patrimony on an international scale to all people interested in Belgium’s history and those interested in wind band history in particular.

At the Price of € 35 plus packing costs (2 €).

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[BOOK]

The history of the Wind Band in Belgium

Part I – Up to 1900

(Francis Pieters)

The history of the Wind Band in Belgium

Preface

Knowing Francis Pieters for quite some time now, I was honored when he asked me to write a preface to this book. Because of his interest and passion for the wind band and its music, from ever since he was Young, I might say that he became throughout the years the best documented individual with an enormous knowledge about all the aspects of the wind band.

Thanks to his “non-stop” interest and his international research since years about anything regarding and related to the wind band, his library and discography are enormous and don’t have an end. The way he informs all, of us with his books and articles about history, biographies, orchestras, recordings, repertoire, composers and their lives and compositions, I could s ay that he is a living encyclopedia of the wind band. This book is once more the proof, like all of his works already written, of his thorough and detailed research and huge knowledge. For the reader of this book, I am sure that it will reveal new unknown elements in the history of the wind band. Enjoy reading it and get triggered by Francis’s passion for the wind band.

Yves Segers
Chief-conductor of the Royal Symphonic Band of the Belgian Guides

A4 format – 501 pages

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[Book]

The Belgian Grenadiers Band

(Francis Pieters)

The Belgian Grenadiers Band

The Band of the Belgian Grenadiers (1838-1989) was not only the last infantry band, but also a military band with a prestigious history. Four conductors of the Royal Symphonic Band of the Belgian Guides (René De Ceuninck, Simon Poulain, Yvon Ducène and Norbert Nozy) also conducted this band.

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A4 format – 105 pages

[Book]

De Geboorte van de Militaire Muziek in het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden

(Francis Pieters)

De Geboorte van de Militaire Muziek in het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden

Focus op de Zuidelijke Provincies (het latere België)

Tekst van de masterclass gegeven tijdens de Nacht van de Militaire Muziek in het Nationaal Militair Museum te Soesterberg op 16 maart 2019

A4 format – 46 pages – Only available in Dutch

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[Book]

Eux aussi ont écrit pour orchestre à vent

(Francis Pieters, translation by Edgard Vergucht)

Eux aussi ont écrit pour orchestre à vent

They too wrote for wind band
Belgian classical composers and music for wind orchestras

From Ook zij schreven voor blaasorkest by Francis Pieters
Translation by Edgard Vergucht

Updated and revised by the author

A4 format – 210 pages – Only available in French

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[Book]

Only available in French or in Dutch

La Musique Royale des Guides
Un siècle d’enregistrements

De Koninklijke Muziekkapel van de Gidsen
Honderd jaar geluidsdragers

(Francis Pieters)
A4 format – 300 pages – 180 pictures

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Francis Pieters

[Periodical]

(Partly in French and in Dutch)

Concerto

Concerto Periodical