Rewenich (Fanfare)

The composition "Rewenich" tells the life story of 15th century knight Rienck Bockema, a story of conflict and reflection. The composition consists of five connected movements, each highlighting a phase in the life of Rienck Bockema ('Rewenich'). Bockema lived in Sneek at the Rodenburg manor (Nauwe Burgstraat). It soon became clear that Rienck Bokkema's world was bigger than Sneek. Because of his achievements during the battle against the Turks on Rhodes, he was knighted by King Edward III of England. When his wife Bott died suddenly, he went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for fear of guilt and eternal punishment. There he got a new holy mission: a crusade to Lithuania, where he fought at Grodno. After a turbulent time full of violence and battle, Rienck Bockema chose for contemplation. He founded a monastery near Sneek (the Thabor monastery) and became a monk. He spent the last period of his life in this monastery. The composition contains some characteristic musical fragments from Rienck Bockema's era. The first movement, for example, contains quotations from the music of Dufay, which may actually have sounded in similar monasteries at the time. Furthermore, the melody of L'homme armé, a popular song from that time, plays a significant role in this composition.