Poppyfields | Kevin Bell

It is 4.15am on 8th August 1918, and a British soldier waits for the whistle which will send him ‘over the top’ and into battle.
Beginning with the Battle, entering a dream-like section as our hero advances forwards, followed by random skirmishes, before Battle ends and we enter a lyrical reflective section where the soldiers thoughts turn to home.
Finally a lone cornet heralds a tribute to the Fallen, and answered by the euphonium, calls for hope for a new dawn and a better world. There is an optional narration from our soldier before the piece starts, and also his reflections of war and home after the battle is over, however the piece is written to be played with or without narration.
This piece by Kevin Bell has it all: excitement, surprise, reflection and hope.

Instrumentation:
Soprano, Solo, Repiano, 2nd and 3rd Cornets
Flugelhorn
Solo, 1st and 2nd Tenor Horns
1st and 2nd Baritone
1st, 2nd and Bass Trombone
Solo and 2nd Euphonium
Eb and Bb Basses
Timpani
Percussion 1: Bass Drum, Xylophone, Glockenspiel, Sus cymbal
Percussion 2: Drum kit, Acme Thunderer (whistle)

ISMN: 979-0-708127-89-5