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Title	Oxygen!  NEW!
Article no.	4123025
Category	Concert/wind/brass band
Subcategory	Contemporary Wind Music (1945-present)
Instrumentation	Ha (concert/wind band)
Format	PrtStm (full score and parts)
Country of publication	Belgium (be)
Publisher *	HAFABRA Music Louis Martinus
Publisher's article no. *	HFB 951
Year of publication	2025
Price	click here
Composer	Mertens, Hardy
Difficulty level	5+
Duration	3:15
Additional info/contents	Hardy Mertens' composition "Oxygen!" for wind orchestra (1998) combines musical complexity with a profound thematic exploration: oxygen as a symbol for life, breathing, and energy. The work was inspired by the poem "Atmen" by the French poet Stéphanie Lebon, whose poetry explores breath as a metaphor for existence, freedom, and transience. (© musicainfo.net)
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Programme notes *: • Oxygen! – A musical and literary exploration of the element of breathing The composition "Oxygen!" for wind orchestra is an impressive example of how a fundamental theme like oxygen can be explored musically and literarily. Mertens, a Dutch composer and conductor, studied musicology at Utrecht University and composition and wind orchestra conducting at the Utrecht Conservatory. His works are deeply rooted in the European orchestral tradition and are characterized by a complex and sophisticated musical language. "Oxygen!" is no accident, but rather a conscious exploration of the vital element oxygen, which symbolizes respiration, energy, and survival. Hardy Mertens translates the theme of oxygen into his composition in a variety of ways. The music is characterized by dynamic contrasts that reflect both the ease of breathing and the urgency of the need for oxygen. Particularly striking are the rhythmic structures, reminiscent of a heartbeat or breathing rate, and the sonic design, which, through unusual instrumentation and percussive accents, creates an airy, almost atmospheric mood. The melodic lines develop organically, thus mimicking the natural flow of breath. These musical elements make "Oxygen!" a work that is not only technically demanding but also carries deep emotional and symbolic meaning. A key impetus for the creation of "Oxygen!" was the poem "Breathing" by the French poet Stéphanie Lebon. Lebon's poetry deals intensively with existential themes, with breath often serving as a metaphor for life, freedom, and transience. Her poem "Breathing" inspired Mertens to explore the connection between breath, life, and consciousness musically. The literary source material lends the composition a poetic depth and invites listeners to reflect on the essential meaning of breath. • Stéphanie Lebon: A Short Biography Stéphanie Lebon is a French poet whose work is characterized by an intense exploration of existential questions. She is particularly well-known for her poetry, which often focuses on breath as a central motif. Her poem "Breathing" is considered one of her most important works and has been celebrated not only in literary circles but also received attention in other art forms. Lebon's language is clear and evocative, combining philosophical depth with emotional immediacy. In her works, she often explores the connection between body and mind, with breath serving as a symbol for this unity. Lebon's poems have been published in various anthologies and literary journals and have garnered international acclaim. Through collaborations with composers such as Hardy Mertens, she has succeeded in translating her literary ideas into a new artistic context. "Oxygen!" is an example of how literature and music can work synergistically to make a universal theme like breath accessible in a variety of ways. • The Role of “Oxygen!” in Contemporary Wind Music “Oxygen!” occupies a special position in contemporary wind music, as it distinguishes itself from purely entertaining or traditional works and instead addresses a philosophical theme. The composition demonstrates how wind orchestras can function not only as ensembles for festive occasions or classical repertoires, but also as a medium for exploring fundamental human experiences. For conductors, “Oxygen!” offers the opportunity to work with their ensemble on a musical interpretation that transcends mere technical performance. Engaging with the work requires an intensive exploration of the theme of breath, often leading to interdisciplinary projects—for example, in collaboration with literary scholars or philosophers. Such projects can deepen the understanding of the composition and simultaneously open up new perspectives on the connection between music and other art forms. “Oxygen!” is also a unique experience for the audience. It is a valuable addition, offering a rare opportunity to experience music not only as an acoustic experience but also as an intellectual and emotional challenge. The composition invites reflection on one's own breathing, on life and transience – themes that easily fade into the background in today's often hectic world. • "Oxygen!" by Hardy Mertens is more than just a demanding composition for wind orchestra. It's a work that expands the boundaries of wind music and demonstrates how profound and multifaceted this genre can be. The combination of Mertens' musical mastery and Stéphanie Lebon's literary inspiration creates a composition that challenges and enriches both musicians and listeners. Engaging with "Oxygen!" can serve as an example of how art—in this case, music and literature—can contribute to reflecting on fundamental human experiences. In a time when topics such as sustainability, health, and awareness of our own life-sustaining resources are becoming increasingly important, the work offers an artistic exploration of one of life's most fundamental aspects: breath. • Text: © musicainfo.net (KI) Quellen/Sources: HaFaBra Music: Oxygen! Tags: Elements; Earth Fire Water Air

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	Format
	Oxygen! (concert/wind band), full score and parts
	Oxygen! (concert/wind band), full score
	Cheval de feu, audio CD

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