Choral music “Memorial for the Fallen and Lost 1914-1918”

1914-18

First performed in St. Michael and All Angels Parish Church on 2nd August 2014.

Prof. John Casken

Professor John Casken, Music Director of Coquetdale Chamber Choir.

Memorial For the Fallen and Lost, 1914-1918, remembering men of Upper Coquetdale who perished and whose bodies were never found, their names alone recorded on the Great War memorials.

“A work for choir, two soloists and percussion”.

1. This was performed by the Coquetdale Chamber Choir as part of the commemoration of the outbreak of the Great War.

2. “Memorial” is a tribute to the men from the Valley who fell during the War and were lost, those who perished and were never found, their names alone recorded on the many memorials of stone. The text alludes to WWI poetry, Remembrance Day prayers and cites the names of twelve men lost, and their ages. It incorporates fragments of a harrowing account of the battle of Mametz Wood written by Cpl. Briton Smallman of the Northumberland Fusiliers, two of whose relatives are today resident in Thropton and Harbottle. The text of Memorial expresses the sacrifice of war and the loss felt in the close communities of the Valley”. “The Valley Remembers”.

The Valley Remembers, Upper Coquetdale WWI Project; copyright A.F.C. Hunter.

Programme for concert on 2nd August 2014.

John Casken;
Air-Vice Marshall A.F.C. Hunter

The names on this memorial are being researched by Freda Walker.

Contact: fmwalker29@gmail.com