THE PILLARS OF MANKIND

Test Piece for brass band , commissioned by the Foundation Dutch Brassband Championships, for the Brass Band Championships of 2023.

Grade: 3,5
Duration: ± 11 min.
Delivery: digitally

Program Note:

For The Pillars of Mankind I made the journey to the southern part of Turkey, close to the Syrian border and the city of Sanliurfa, to visit the ancient site of

GÖBEKLI TEPE.

This site has been (re)discovered only recently and excavations started in1994. It has proven to be one of the ancient wonders of the world. In addition, it has completely changed our view on the history of humanity as a whole, setting back the history of civilization for thousands of years. The story behind this composition is based on episode 5 of the popular, yet highly controversial Netflix show Ancient Apocalypse by journalist Graham Hancock. It is highly advised for all the involved musicians to watch this particular episode for a deeper understanding of the back story

The story goes as follows:

A small band of wise ancients, the Apkallu, taught the people of Mesopotamia the skills of civilization.

In the beginning, before recorded history, humanity was created by the gods to be stewards of the land and animals. But the first humans were too lazy and too unruly to do the job, and their numbers grew unchecked. So the gods sent a great deluge to wipe the slate clean and start humanity over again.

And they also sent seven sages, the Apkallu, traditionally depicted as bearded figures in flowing robes, to instruct the survivors. Their leader was Oannes, said to have come from the sea, usually depicted as a half-man, half-fish. He walked among the people, teaching agriculture, achitecture and knowledge of the stars.

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Movements (continuous)

• 1.  The End of the Known World
• 2.  The Bringers of Knowledge
• 3.  The Building of the Pillars
• 4.  The Ancient Ritual
• 5.  The Prophecy