Program notes

Hamel Monash & Victoire – Hamel Monash, opus 104b & c (2018)

This short work for wind band was composed to commemorate the centenary of the battle in La Hamel in northern France in July 1918 during World War One. The battle was the first occasion when the First Australian Imperial Force fought as an independent Australian army under the command of General John Monash. Although the battle was brief it was a turning point in the war because of the brilliant planning and innovative strategies that Monash introduced.

Hamel Monash captures the systematic rhythms and force of the event. Victoire – Hamel Monash is essentially the same work but also has a solo part for accordion heard towards the end of the piece – perhaps signalling the moment when celebration and relief replaces the grim hostility of war.

The work was commissioned by the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, and the first performance was given by the Australian Army Band directed by Craig Johnson in La Hamel, France, on 4 July 2018.

© www.andrewschultz.net 2018


 

Andrew Schultz, Victoire – Hamel Monash

Australian Army Band directed by Craig Johnson, Australia War Memorial,  2018, live performance.

 

 

© This recording is copyright and is intended for private listening use only. It may not be broadcast or commercially distributed without permission.

 


 

View sample pages of the score here. To purchase or hire the complete score and parts: australianmusiccentre.com.au.

 


 

 

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