This composition is dedicated to Jan Maat in honor of his retirement after more than four decades of unwavering commitment to the fanfares Nooit Gedacht from Windesheim and Concordia from Elburg. The title of the piece, “Compagno,” carries a special significance. The Italian word for “companion” or “mate” not only reflects Jan Maat’s name but also emphasizes the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration he inspired. Jan’s influence extends far beyond notes and scores; he has taught us the true value of teamwork, dedication, and friendship. The name Windesheim, the home of Nooit Gedacht, means a “dwelling place” (heim) near a “bend” (winde) in a waterway or road. This name symbolizes the musical journeys we have undertaken under Jan’s direction. Meanwhile, Elburg, the home of Concordia, is renowned as a historic Hanseatic city in the North Veluwe region. The North Veluwe is known for its distinctive wind band sound, which this composition by Arend Gerds celebrates alongside the rich local history of Elburg. The composition is a tapestry of farewell, gratitude, and homage, expressed through various musical themes. Slower passages reflect our deep appreciation, while faster, grander sections convey the energy of a celebration and tribute. Central to the piece is the chorale “Eventide,” which recurs in different forms, serving as the foundation of the composition. These variations represent the countless beautiful musical moments we shared, each unique in its own way. Arend Gerds has also woven personal anecdotes and symbolic elements into the composition. For instance, Psalm 150 resounds in measure 17 as a song of praise and celebration, while the “con fuoco” passage in measure 69 illustrates the fiery and dynamic nature of our shared musical journey. Notably, the gong, absent during a contest performance, now rings prominently in measure 4 as a symbolic gesture. With this composition, we express our profound gratitude to Jan Maat for the years of music and friendship he has given us. We invite all musicians who play this piece to perform each note with the same passion and dedication that Jan exemplified. Through your playing, demonstrate the essence of making music together, infusing each passage with your own musical experiences and emotions. “Compagno” thus stands as a fitting tribute to everyone whose musical impact extends beyond the notes on the page. On behalf of all members of Nooit Gedacht from Windesheim and Concordia from Elburg, Gerco Roelofs (Nooit Gedacht, Windesheim) Harry van Loo (Concordia, Elburg)