Apertum

“Apertum” is the Latin word for “free sky” or “open space”. On one hand, the title is programmatic because the piece is conceived for open-air events and joint performances. This is why the composition is scored with tutti sounds. Traditional percussion (snare drum, bass drum and cymbals) play throughout the piece as a constant pulse. On the other hand, the title lends room for interpretation: the conductor can influence several aspects of this composition, such as a tempo that is adjustable between mm = 92 to 126, depending on the individual circumstances of the performance. There are optional parts for timpani, chimes (or lyre) and percussion. The conductor may also adjust instrumentation (thus tonal color) for several passages. I want the conductor to understand the whole piece as “open space” for his specific wishes, depending on the circumstances. “Apertum” even allows for performances only with brass instruments (and percussion). I dedicated the piece to the Northern Bavarian Music Association and chief conductor Ernst Oestreicher for his 60th birthday in 2015. I wish all musicians and fellow conductors much joy with “Apertum”!

THIEMO KRAAS (Muenster, May 2016)