click for larger image

Sample sheet music

Title	An Expression of Joy
Article no.	4122346
Category	Concert/wind/brass band
Subcategory	Concert music
Instrumentation	Ha (concert/wind band)
Format	PrtStm (full score and parts)
Country of publication	Austria (at)
Publisher *	Tierolff-Muziekcentrale, 4700 BD Roosendaal
Publisher's article no. *	TI 100320HA
Year of publication	2026
Price	click here
Composer	Asanger, Thomas
Difficulty level	4
Evaluation level of countries	A3 (Austrian C level); D3 (German medium level)
Duration	10:29
Additional info/contents	Oberdrauburg, a market town in Carinthia, Austria, has a turbulent history marked by crises such as fires, wartime destruction, and floods, but also by resilience and cultural renewal. The Drauforum, a cultural center opened in 2022, symbolizes this renewal and brings the region's history to life. For the opening, Thomas Asanger composed "An Expression of Joy" for the Oberdrauburg brass band. The three-movement composition reflects the town's historical and cultural identity. The work celebrates Oberdrauburg's community spirit and cultural diversity and underscores the importance of culture for the region's future. (© musicainfo.net)
Sample sheet music	click here
Sample score *	click here
Video sample *
Listen to this in the Musicainfo Radio *	click here
Available	yes

Programme notes *: Oberdrauburg and the musical homage “An Expression Of Joy” by Thomas Asanger – A historical and cultural retrospective Oberdrauburg, a market town in the Spittal an der Drau district of Carinthia, Austria, looks back on an eventful history marked by challenges but also by impressive resilience. With around 1,200 inhabitants, the town is one of the smaller communities in the region, but its significance as a cultural and historical hub is undeniable. Particularly formative for Oberdrauburg's identity have been the numerous crises that the community has had to overcome over the centuries. These include the devastating fire in the 19th century, which destroyed over 150 buildings and left many families homeless, as well as the heavy air raids during the Second World War, which left deep scars. The recurring floods and the effects of the global pandemic also presented the residents with major challenges. Despite these setbacks, the community has always managed to renew itself and evolve. This ability to emerge stronger from crises is a central characteristic of Oberdrauburg's history. A symbol of this new beginning and the region's cultural vitality is the "Drauforum," which opened in 2022 as a new service and information center. The Drauforum serves as a cultural meeting place and provides insights into regional history and the unique Drau River landscape. Architecturally, the building was inspired by local elements, particularly the traditional brick latticework, which acts as both sunshade and noise barrier from the busy road. The forum's design integrates with the surrounding mountain landscape, creating a harmonious ensemble that underscores the connection between nature and culture. The Drauforum is geared towards tourists, interested citizens, and school groups, and offers space for events, weddings, and community celebrations. It thus represents the community spirit and cultural diversity of the region. In this context, Thomas Asanger composed "An Expression of Joy," subtitled "Traburch castrum," which was dedicated to the Oberdrauburg brass band for the opening of the Drau Forum. The title refers to Oberdrauburg's historical name, "Traburch," and underscores the work's deep connection to local history. The composition is a musical expression of the joy and optimism that repeatedly blossoms in Oberdrauburg despite all crises. It reflects the cultural dynamism and community spirit that characterize the town. Musically, the work is divided into three movements, each addressing different aspects of Oberdrauburg's history and atmosphere. The first movement, Adagio in attesta, begins with a calm, contemplative character. The slow tempo and the key of E-flat major convey an atmosphere of reflection and respect for the past. This movement could be interpreted as a musical reflection on the historical challenges that Oberdrauburg has experienced. The second movement, Allegro minaccioso, is characterized by a fast tempo and a menacing atmosphere. The shift to the key of A-flat major symbolizes overcoming crises and the community's ability to repeatedly recover. The rhythmic complexity and dynamic contrasts of this movement reflect the resilience of the inhabitants, who refused to be defeated despite all adversity. The third movement, Vivace l’istesso tempo, is marked by lively changes in time signature between 3/4 and 2/4. These shifting meters symbolize the region's dynamism and adaptability. The vibrant character of the Vivace represents the joy and optimism that the Drau Forum embodies as a new cultural meeting place. The musical diversity of this piece underscores Oberdrauburg's cultural vibrancy and the hope for a positive future.* • Thomas Asanger's "An Expression of Joy" is thus not only a musical homage to Oberdrauburg, but also an artistic exploration of the town's historical and cultural identity. The composition blends musical elements with the region's history, creating a work that celebrates Oberdrauburg's resilience, community spirit, and cultural diversity. The Drauforum, as a meeting place, and the musical work, as an expression of joy, emphasize the importance of culture and community for the region's future. Both represent the residents' ability to learn from the past and look to the future with confidence. • Text: musicainfo.net (KI) Quellen/Sources: Tierolff: An Expression Of Joy ---------- Wikipedia: Oberdrauburg Oberdrauburg – ein Gang durch das historische Zentrum Mein Bezirk: Das Drauforum Oberdrauburg - Ein Zentrum für Kultur und Gemeinschaft Tags: Countries and cities

Report error in text or data

	Format
	An Expression of Joy (concert/wind band), full score and parts
	An Expression of Joy (concert/wind band), full score

To order this item please log in (click here).

* Fields with a star are only visible for club members after registration.

In order to see the demo scores you need Adobe Reader, which you can download free. Just click on the following link.