“That first note. If there is, that’s the most important thing.” That is what trumpet player Richard Visser from Roden believes. During the National Remembrance Day on Dam Square in Amsterdam, he can blow the Tattoo signal this year.
On 4 May at 8 p.m. the whole of the Netherlands will be quiet for two minutes. In those two minutes we commemorate the people who died or killed in war situations or peace missions. This is commemorated everywhere in the Netherlands. During the National Remembrance Day in Amsterdam, Visser blows the Tattoo and ‘his’ Royal Military Chapel ‘Johan Willem Friso’ from Assen takes care of the music.
“It is really very special,” says Visser. “It is very special especially if you are on Dam Square, it is the heart of our country. I think there are ten thousand people watching you. That is just really special.”
On Friday, the orchestra rehearsed for the last time before the moment is there. Once every three years it is up to the Royal Military Chapel ‘Johan Willem Friso’ to take care of the music during commemoration of the dead. In this way the chapel is interspersed with that of the navy and air force. But the trumpet player is also alternated within the orchestra in Assen. “Now it was my turn,” says Visser. “It’s not an obligation, but I wanted it. It’s just a kick. It is also something you can be proud of.”
For Visser it is not the first time. In 2014 he was also on Dam Square. “When I did it in ’14, I was a lot younger. Maybe also uninhibited. I am now eleven years older. Now you may realize how special this is. It is no longer a far from your bed show.”
Then there is the cold. “Somehow it is often cold on May 4,” says Visser. “Now it becomes 7 degrees as it seems.” He now knows how to respond to that. “The instrument is made of metal so it gets cold. Especially if the mouthpiece, which is also made of metal, gets cold, then you feel that on your lips.” That is why Visser keeps the mouthpiece in his hands for as long as possible so that it gets warm. Only at the very last moment does he put it on. “Then you have the best chance of success,” he smiles.
Nevertheless, the trumpet player is looking forward to it. Tomorrow he will be nervous, he admits. “Eight hours is eight hours. That must be fine.” He usually plays the Tattoo signal in a large minute. Exactly at the right time he is being brought by the inspector. Then he hopes that the first note is good, “then it will be fine”.