Salamander Symphony

Salamander Symphony is a three-movement work for symphonic wind band in which the city of Kornwestheim, situated in Baden-Württemberg, occupies centre stage. It is the name of the well-known shoe factory that was established there in 1899 and that symbolizes the industrial and social development of the city. In the symphony, we find various references to the mythological meaning of salamanders: they are vigorous creatures that contain the soul of fire. Without salamanders there would not be any fire. In addition, a salamander can change its shape and serve as a kind of vehicle through time. In the Berber culture, the salamander represents change. Jacob de Haan: “Playing a symphony is normally reserved for wind orchestras of the highest level. However, this symphony can be realized for orchestras that play grade 4. That makes it quite unique”.