This original work for strings, harp and trumpet was originally inspired by letters written to and from the home front and front line during WWI. In the work’s newest form, an original solo violin melody has been added to commemorate the work of today’s key workers and the loss inflicted by the pandemic. The piece is optimistic, yet reflective, and aims to symbolise hope and resilience.
The string accompaniment uses Morse code to spell out words commonly used in the letters to and from the home front in WWI: WAIT, DEAR, LOVE, HEART, HOME. These words have strong meaning in today’s pandemic too.
One of the accompanying violin parts performs CAVE’s arrangement of a work composed by George Butterworth (who served during WWI): The Banks of Green Willow.
The Last Post opening motif also runs throughout. The piece has a positive feel in terms of instilling a sense of pride and longing for home felt by those fighting overseas. A melancholy rendition of "Pack up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag" is soon heard - a popular song of the time that is indicative of the stoical bravery.
A pizzicato section with harp carries the playful melody of another popular song of the era: "Blighty - The Soldier's Home Sweet Home", before more tremolo strings lead the solo violin into a thoughtful arrangement of "It's A Long Way to Tipperary" with some poignant changes in harmony.
The work closes with the military bugle call still used today in the Royal Navy's Ceremonial Sunset. This time, the melody is played by a violin as The Last Post opening interval is played on the trumpet before fading peacefully away.
All parts were performed by CAVE.
credits
from The R Value,
track released July 22, 2020
All parts performed, recorded and mixed by CAVE.
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