The work, by Professor Stephen Davismoon, was commissioned by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme and focuses on the tragic history of the Salford Pals (Lancashire Fusiliers) in the lead up to the ‘Great Advance.’
Scored for full symphony orchestra, solo mezzo-soprano, actor/narrator, choir and electronic soundscape, Professor Davismoon’s work captures poetry from Winifred Letts – a contemporary poet in Salford at the time and offering a sobering female perspective from ‘home’ – plus front line recollections and letters to and from the front.
Stephen Davismoon, who recently joined Edge Hill University from the University of Salford, also captured recordings of many locations important to the story of the Salford Pals in an attempt to build an aural bridge between ourselves and the past.
He said: “The Salford Pals – ordinary lads/men wanting to escape the slums of Salford and/or to leave their family lives, to fight, if necessary, to protect their family, home and country is so typical of the plight of so many that fought with the Pals Brigades in WW1. Typical too was their fate: mercilessly cut down through the mechanised killing of modern weaponry. The catastrophic consequences of the losses to communities was typical too. For decades afterwards, 1st July was known as Thiepval Day in Salford and observed as a day of remembrance. Through all of my researches for the work I found an inspiring humility and nobility coupled with heartbreaking futility.”
The main focus of Professor Davismoon’s research is as a composer. He has written for a wide variety of voices, instruments and media, from solo, orchestral through to electroacoustic and sound installation works. His work has been performed throughout Europe and the Americas.
Professor Davismoon’s piece will air on BBC Radio 3 at 11.30pm on Remembrance Sunday, 13 November
