Program notes

Hamel Monash, opus 104b (2018)

This short work for wind band was composed to commemorate the battle in La Hamel in northern France in July 1918 during World War One. The battle was the first occasion when the first AIF 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 strategies that Monash introduced. This piece captures the systematic rhythms and force of the event.

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