Fortissimo is based on two evening routines once carried out by soldiers daily.

The first occurred at sunset, when soldiers fired evening guns, withdrew into fortified camps and cities, locked the gates, and as the sun set and darkness approached, lowered the flag for the night. This was called Retreat. Originally, the calls that ordered this routine were beaten on drums, and the routine is still commonly called "Beating Retreat".

The second routine followed at or near dusk when the night watch was set. Rounds were made to check the sentries (with drum or bugle calls to indicate when the "First Post" and the "Last Post" were reached). During this period, the drums beat a warning for all to return to barracks. Often the band played popular tunes, an evening hymn and finally the national anthem. This became known as Tattoo, from the Flemish words "tap toe", meaning, "turn off the taps" in the inns and bars, indicating to soldiers it was time to leave.

Over the decades the ceremonies expanded into the spectacular ceremonies known and loved by thousands across the world.

Fortissimo today a huge scale, multimedia spectacular, with each year, arguably the highlight of the event, a spectacular outdoor performance of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture featuring the massed bands, modern field guns and the carillon of the iconic Parliament Peace Tower.

Craig first worked on Fortissimo in 2007, arranging some of the music for the tribute section of the show finale, and then in 2008/09 and 10 returned to the show to assist DMaj CWO Tom Peet and Commanding Officers Major Brian Hynes and Major Greg Miller with the production of the event. Craig also arranged much of the music for the 2008-10 shows, and provided the voiceovers for the main production scenes.

Fortissimo 2007

The Stadacona Band of Maritime Forces Atlantic
The Central Band of the Canadian Forces
Band of the Ceremonial Guard
The Band of the Royal Irish (United Kingdom)
Ceremonial Guard Continuity Drill Team
The 30th Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery
Dominion Carillon

Fortissimo 2008

National Band of the Naval Reserve
Central Band of the Canadian Forces
Band and Pipes of the Royal Regiment of Scotland
Band and Pipes of the Ceremonial Guard
Pipes and Drums of the 78th Highlanders
Ceremonial Guard Continuity Drill Team
Ceremonial Guard Jeep Display Team
The National Ceremonial Troop and Highland Dance Team of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Soloists: Cpl Kim Henrickson (RCMP) and Natalie Alcorn
The 30th Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery
Dominion Carillon

Fortissimo 2009

Massed Bands of the Canadian Air Force
National Band of the Naval Reserve
Band and Pipes of the Ceremonial Guard
Band and Pipes of the Royal Regiment of Scotland (United Kingdom)
Fortissimo Massed Pipes and Drums
Ceremonial Guard Continuity Drill Team
Ceremonial Guard Jeep Display Teams
The National Ceremonial Troop and Highland Dance Team of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
La Baie en Joie Acadian Dancers
Soloists: Brenna Conrad and Cpl David Gregnon
The 30th Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery
Vintage Wings
Dominion Carillon

Fortissimo 2010

The Stadacona Band of Maritime Forces Atlantic
National Band of the Naval Reserve
The Central Band of the Canadian Forces
Band and Pipes of the Ceremonial Guard
United States Marine Corps, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band (United States of America)
Fanfare Team from Liberty High School, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Fortissimo Massed Pipes and Drums
Ceremonial Guard Naval Display Team
Ceremonial Guard Obstacle Race Teams
The National Ceremonial Troop and Highland Dance Team of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Soloists: Brenna Conrad, Derrick Paul Miller and Ashelin
The 30th Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery
Dominion Carillon

Further information on the Ceremonial Guard can be found in the collaborators section of this site and at the website of the Canadian Department of National Defence at http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/land-terre/cg-gc/guard-garde-eng.asp

Further information on the current production of Fortissimo can be found at http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/land-terre/cg-gc/events-evenements/index-eng.asp