21 Marches for the 21st Century – The Staff Band of the Norwegian Armed Forces

Forward march!

The Norwegian Cultural Council, as a part of their Attacca -00 project, asked 21 composers if they would contribute to the tradition of marching music by writing a new piece. 14 Norwegian composers, divided into the young and the more established, and seven international composers were invited. In this way, the 21 marches for the 21st century became a reality.

This is a unique document, showing how the different writers of today handles the possibilities and restrictions the form of a march lays upon them. Edition Warner/Chappell are releasing the printed scores of this music in Europe this autumn, making it possible for concert bands to bring a bit of spice into their repertoire.

Norway’s seven professional concert bands were given 3 marches each for premiere and recording, both done on location in their own region.