With Armistice Day approaching, a poignant work by Dwayne Bloomfield can bring an evocative addition to an appropriate concert programme.
Armistice at Flanders Field
Written in 2023, 'Armistice at Flanders Fields' describes the day peace was announced to end the First World War.
The composer states: "It's now impossible to imagine what it must have been like when that day finally arrived, and the feeling it brought after years of fighting and suffering to know they would return home to see family and loved ones again. This piece tries to tell their story."
The work follows a narrative line — from the final battles to the emerging news of peace, the causalities to the last deliveries of telegrams of loss.
It also reflects on the fields of conflict today and the many intersections in the countryside which have cemetery signposts pointing in every direction. A last bugle call honours those who died right up the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and the Armistice at Flanders Fields.
Video performance
To view a video of Dallas Brass Band performing the work please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljfyVz3cMgk
PDFs and sheet music
PDFs available at: https://www.brookwrightmusic.com/product-page/armistice-at-flanders-fields-brass-band-dwayne-bloomfield
The sheet music will be available shortly at: www.brassband.co.uk