Jos Kessels

From Wind Repertory Project
Composer picture desired

Biography

Pieter Joseph Franz (Jos) Kessels (39 October 1856, Heerlen, the Netherlands – 24 February 1928, Santa Ana, El Salvador) was a Dutch composer and conductor.

Kessels first studied cello, but conducting and composing proved to be his main musical endeavors. At the age of 16, he composed his first songs and marches. After first conducting singing societies and wind bands (among others the Necelen Band), in 1883, he was named solo cellist at the Tivoli Theater in Amsterdam. He also was director there for a short time as well. He also directed groups in Heerlen and Brussels, among others.

On May 2, 1885, Kessels became director of the New Royal Band (N.K.H.) in Tilburg, and he brought this band to great accomplishment. He led this band until the end of 1896.

In 1892, his operetta Per Extra Trein was produced, and on May 22, 1892, a great competition opened through the N.K.H. The opening festival was a great event, with concerts by the band, whereby the first work played was Kessels composition Tilburg’s Flaubert Club Festival march.

In July, 1892, Kessels went from Tilburg to St. Josse ten Noode, Belgium, where he was co-owner of the Le Metronome music publishers in Brussels. In 1895, he was asked to compose a march for the visit of Queens Emma and Wilhelmina on May 18 in Tilburg. This was the Oranje Nassau March.

In 1896, Kessels emigrated to El Salvador, where he was named inspector of military music. He had many successes with his band there, and he also wrote two operas (in Spanish), along with many works for chorus, orchestra, and band. He retired in 1924 as a Colonel.


Works for Winds


Resources