Description
Phoenix is a symphonic poem for windband composed by Ricardo Mollá, commissioned by and dedicated to the Royal Military Band “Johan Willem Friso” (Koninklijke Militaire Kapel “Johan Willem Friso”, Netherlands). The work was premiered in 2025 by the Royal Military Band “Johan Willem Friso” under the direction of Frans-Aert Burghgraef.
Movements
Three movements, played without interruption:
I. Odyssey of Fire
II. The Eternal Cycle
III. Rising from the Ashes
Instrumentation
Symphonic poem for symphonic windband. The band consists of:
Woodwinds
- Piccolo.
- Flutes I, II, III (III doubling Piccolo).
- Oboes I, II.
- Bassoons I, II.
- Clarinet in E♭.
- Clarinets in B♭ I, II, III.
- Bass Clarinet.
- Alto Saxophones I, II.
- Tenor Saxophone.
- Baritone Saxophone.
Brass
- Horns I, II, III, IV.
- Trumpets in B♭ I, II, III.
- Flugelhorns I, II.
- Trombones I, II, III.
- Bass Trombone.
- Euphoniums I, II.
- Tuba.
Percussion
- Timpani.
- Percussion I: snare drum, tenor drums, bass drum, tam-tam, glockenspiel, xylophone, vibraphone, marimba, tubular bells, tambourine, triangle, wood block, claves.
- Percussion II: suspended cymbal, snare drum, tenor drums, tam-tam, vibraphone, glockenspiel, marimba, tubular bells, wind chimes, tambourine, temple blocks, castanets, triangle, whip, sleigh bells.
- Percussion III: cymbals, suspended cymbal, bass drum, tenor drums, tam-tam, gong, marimba, bongos, triangle, sleigh bells.
Other
- Harp.
Offstage
Solo clarinet, two trumpets and two trombones, taken from the band itself. In the second movement these players leave the stage and perform from the balconies and from backstage before returning to their seats. The score includes a detailed guide with the positioning and movements of the offstage instruments.
Duration
Approximately 22 minutes.
Year of Composition
2025.
Additional information about Phoenix
In the depths of a dark, silent cave within the Sint Pietersberg lies the Phoenix, the immortal creature of fire and renewal. Awakened from a long slumber, the first sparks light the stone walls, and with a majestic sweep of its fiery wings the Phoenix rises, embarking on its great journey across the Netherlands.
Its first destination is Kinderdijk, where windmills stand as ancient guardians. Dancing with the turning blades, the Phoenix embodies the harmony between its eternal flames and the forces of nature. From there it soars to the vibrant tulip fields of Keukenhof, where the fleeting beauty of the flowers mirrors the transience of life, brief but glorious. Continuing its journey, the Phoenix reaches the Hoge Veluwe National Park, a place of reflection surrounded by ancient forests and golden dunes, where silent creatures watch as it passes. Finally, it arrives at the Hunebed D27 dolmen, a sacred site where it builds its fiery nest. In a burst of brilliant flames its form is consumed, leaving only ashes scattered by the wind.
Yet from those ashes a single spark ignites. Flames grow and a new Phoenix emerges, its wings more radiant than ever. With renewed strength it soars back to the skies of Sint Pietersberg, completing the eternal cycle of life, death and rebirth. The Phoenix symbolizes the infinite power of transformation, where every end heralds a new beginning.
Listen to Phoenix
Recording by the Royal Military Band “Johan Willem Friso” conducted by Frans-Aert Burghgraef.
