Rejouissance

A Rejouissance (French for rejoicing or merrymaking) is a lively, cheerful character movement frequently found in Baroque orchestral suites and divertissements. In Telemann’s compositions, it is an upbeat, scherzo- like dance that typically follows the grand opening overture, characterised by light textures and a joyful, celebratory tempo. Because Telemann was so remarkably prolific - composing over 100 orchestral suites and 3,000+ total works - the Rejouissance appears in several different suites across his catalogue, this being one of his most famous. Aside from Telemann, other prominent Baroque composers like J. S. Bach and G. F. Handel also utilised the Rejouissance as an energetic vehicle for celebration

Georg Philipp Telemann (March 1681 – June 1767) was a German Baroque composer and multi-instrumentalist. He is one of the most prolific composers in history. Telemann was considered by his contemporaries to be one of the leading German composers of the time, and he was compared favourably both to his friend J. S. Bach, who made Telemann the godfather and namesake of his son Carl Philipp Emanuel, and to G. F. Handel, whom Telemann also knew personally. Almost completely self-taught in music, he became a composer against his family's wishes. After studying in Magdeburg, Zellerfeld, and Hildesheim, Telemann entered the University of Leipzig to study law, but eventually settled on a career in music. He held important positions in Leipzig, Sorau, Eisenach and Frankfurt before settling in Hamburg in 1721, where he became musical director of that city's five main churches. His music incorporates French, Italian, and German national styles and his music stands as an important link between the late Baroque and early Classical styles. The Telemann Museum in Hamburg is dedicated to him.

Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. From 1987 Jock based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Jock is a former Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and was the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band from 2004 until 2020. It is the mix of all of these musical roles that has led to Jock establishing a reputation as a leading creator of brass music resources, particularly in the field of education and brass ensemble music. In 2020 Jock was awarded an “Honorary Fellowship of the University of Winchester” for services to music education. Currently Jock is working part-time for the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; providing tuition for their Brass Teaching Module. In 2024 Jock was given the award for “Services to Youth” by Brass Bands England.