A Major Gratitude was commissioned by Da Capo Drogeham (conductor Bienze IJlstra), Stichting Gondelvaart op Wielen, and Plaatselijk Belang to mark the farewell of Oebele Brouwer as mayor of the municipality of Achtkarspelen. The composition features two themes that interact in dialogue throughout the piece. The first theme is derived from the letters of Oebele Brouwer ’ s name. The second theme originates from the song De Wâldsang (folksong from this region), which has its roots in a composition by Mozart. These themes symbolize Oebele Brouwer ’ s deep connection to the municipality of Achtkarspelen.