Brass Band version

This march was composed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of L’Echo de Châtillon in Massongex. This title was suggested by one of the band’s musicians. It is based on the Latin etymology of the name Massongex. The Latin name of Massongex is “Tarnaiae” and comes from “Taranis”, the Celtic god of lightning.

I have chosen to respect the traditional form of the march, while adding a few unusual features: the introduction is longer than one might expect, and has its own tonality. In addition, for added freshness, each reprise is orchestrated differently. On several occasions, I’ve also tried to ensure that the trio echoes the first part of the march (for example, the introduction and the bridge to the finale are identical, or the 2 passages featuring finger snaps, which I consider almost a “musical gag” within the strict framework of a march).

In terms of musical material, there are only two significant rhythms (quarter note triolet and the sicilienne) and two melodic motifs, one of which is in fact a quotation from the “Chati’tille” march composed in 1999 by Freddy Barman and also dedicated to the Echo de Châtillon of Massongex.