Pasadena

This composition has been named after the Californian city of Pasadena, almost bordering on the San Gabriel Mountains in the surroundings of Los Angeles. Jacob de Haan approached this work from two different vantage points.

At first there is the expressive nature of the music, which is the focus of the first part of the piece. It describes the beautiful sculpture-gardens and, among others, especially the Huntington Library art gallery, as well as the impressive villas, such as Freye’s Mansion.

From here the piece transitions into an upbeat, Latin-rock style section. It depicts the traditional Rose Bowl new year’s day, when the famous American football game is held, preceded by the even more famous Tournament of the Roses parade. The opening tempo and theme return, but retain some of the more extrovert and festive characteristics of the parade. A couple of grand beats end this piece about a grand city.