Verissimus: the brass band work inspired by Marcus Aurelius
Verissimus is a new brass band work that arose from a personal story and a deep fascination with Marcus Aurelius. When Allan Withington asked me to write something for Brass in Concert, within the Eurovision theme, I immediately felt that this piece should be more than just spectacle. It became a musical reflection on honesty, leadership, and humanity.
Why Marcus Aurelius inspires me
For me, Marcus Aurelius is one of the most inspiring figures in history. Not only as an emperor of the Roman Empire, but especially as a philosopher and author of Meditations. His words reveal a man who, amidst war, responsibility, and loss, repeatedly tries to act with gentleness and justice.
What moves me is his combination of strength and vulnerability. Aurelius faced enormous setbacks: the loss of children, difficult campaigns, intrigues at court. Yet he continued to search for balance, honesty, and inner peace. That attitude—that step back, that reflection—is precisely what inspires me in my own work as a composer and conductor.
Verissimus, his nickname, means “the most honest.” That word formed the starting point for my music.
A Roman world in sound
For the musical character of Verissimus, I drew inspiration from the atmosphere and colors of Respighi’s Pini di Roma, especially the section “Via Appia.” The structure, the movement, and the layered grandeur immediately evoked images of Roman roads, history, and character.
By subtly incorporating elements from that style, a warm, earthy, and historical soundscape emerged that closely resonates with the life of Marcus Aurelius. The work moves between power and introspection, between march and silence—just as Aurelius himself navigated between power and humanity.
The writing process: joy and connection
For me, writing Verissimus was primarily a process of joy and recognition. The collaboration with Carlton Main Frickley felt natural, as if the piece perfectly suited their musical character. The openness with which they embraced the work gave the piece its first true breath.
For me, that’s the most beautiful moment in composing: when music conceived in silence comes to life in the hands of musicians. That moment when notes transform into stories.
Listen to Verissimus for yourself
My hope is that Verissimus is not only a tribute to Marcus Aurelius, but also an invitation—to pause for a moment, to look honestly, to listen to what music can unleash.
