Jeremy Harben Music

songwriter & composer

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Tribute and Requiem
for
The Great War 1914 - 1918

This was a war caused like so many by vice, greed, envy and hate. It was a war between nations and allies of all religions, creeds, faith and persuasions. Men and women of all colours, fought against each other from North, South, East and West.

There were deeds of extreme valour, sacrifice and honour but then also of extraordinary brutality, evil and cowardice.

This dreadful waste of mankind wiped out a generation of young men leaving widows and children fatherless.

The price paid, brought poverty and hardship for those on the battlefield and for those left at home; leaving many women without the opportunity of motherhood. This dreadful war ended with a victory of good over evil. The victors rejoicing ended with foreboding as to the future.

Such war, the catastrophe that it will always be, remembered on the 11th November at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month. This has been since then, been ever so. The Tribute and Requiem is to remember in musical terms what occurred and to give thanks to the allies of Britain and The Empire. Britain's oldest ally Portugal with Brazil joined the fray.

Britain and The Empire fought for God, King, Country and Freedom.

Songs and Marches in Tribute to
The Great War 1914 - 1918

1. This is Our Land - A musical description for a land at peace, whose people are free to come and go

2. Time For War - The nation rallies and answers Lord Kitchener's call to arms

(A selection of marches from the barrack square)

3. Get Fell In

4. Yes Sir No Sir

5. Get A Move On

(A further selection of marches played by the bands as the men march off to war to the railway station)

6. Slow But Sure

7. Going Away

8. Scots To War

9. Fight With Glory

10. Time To Say Adieu - The departure of man from his wife at the railway station

11. To The Fray - The Band plays this march at the railway station

12. Come Home My Love - The soldier's wife now pregnant, longs for her husband's return

13. The March To Picardy - Soldiers begin the trek to Picardy. At first they are met with cheers and kisses. Later they pass the sad spectacle of refugees. Carts laden with their belogings block the road. The soldiers march on into battle.

14. Once A Year It's Christmas - Christmas Day 1914 is described with fraternization between friends and foe. Carols were sung and football played, when a temporary truce occurred without authorization.

15. In The Trenches - The horrors of trench warfare are described with realistic sound effects. Soldier's sing and play instrumental music.

16. The Wounded Soldier - The dreadful effect of gas first used by the Germans caused bitter hatred. The poisonous gas entered the zones, many died. The British were affected.

17. The Royal Flying Corps Flying - Whilst the battle on the ground continued, the use of aircraft became even more important with battle in the shies. There was great respect for the airmen of both sides. Von Richthofen, the German leading ace is given burial with full military honour.

18. The Somme' - This describes a typical battle of Ypres. So many lives were lost with so little gain.

19. Passchendaele - The horrors caused in this battel are described. A wounded soldier who so nearly died saw the light at the end of the tunnel and heard the voice of angels, a phenomenon which occurs to some who are very close to death.

20. My Soldier Son - A mother's bereavement over the death of her son.

Click this link to hear more songs and marches

1. This Is Our Land