Pavane pour Bowine

The composer Kees Vlak explains his “Pavane for Bowine” in the following way: “When for the first time I became grandfather of a most beautiful grandchild, I was so fascinated by that tender and dear girl, that I wanted to express this very feeling in music. Not an easy task for a composer of wind music. Flutes and clarinets are tender-sounding instruments, but I had my problems thinking of tenderness in view of the accompaniment. This is why I decided the piano to be the solo instrument, as this would enable me to control the accompaniment. This also seemed to be essential, as this would allow me to portray Bowine’s innocence and love. Another important aspect was that the interplay between piano and band would even enhance the expression of tenderness. The figurative meaning therefore could be: The band symbolizes the grandfather who admires his grandchild, while the piano portrays the sweet little girl. Another peculiarity: to preserve the atmosphere of bliss as long as possible, the Pavane for Bowine does not end, as is commonly done, in a solid final cadence.”