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Fighter Command and the Battle for Britain

Music: Bryan Kesselman
Original concept and words: Philip Barnett
Written: 2015
First performances on 19, 20, 26 September 2015

A one act musical for chorus commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain

Background
This was a commission from the Bentley Priory Museum performed in September 2015 as part of the activities to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The development of the piece was funded by Arts Council England and The Heritage Lottery Fund.

Short BBC News video of Bentley Priory Museum

The aim was to produce a family-friendly piece with adults and children singing together. The material had to reflect the key messages of the Museum as well as being entertaining and also respectful to the subject matter.

It also needed to be straightforward so that the performance could be done 'off book', that is without looking at the music.

The resulting piece can be performed anywhere, but it was designed as a site-specific work for the Museum making use of four of the spaces in the Museum through a promenade performance.

Although written for two choirs (adults and children) the piece could also be performed by adults only or children only.
Characteristics

Musical style: In keeping with period

Duration: Approximately 20 minutes but 30 minutes in promenade format

Arrangement: Mostly unison, some simple SATB

Accompaniment: Piano

Theme: The Battle of Britain and the role of RAF Fighter Command

Level of complexity: Easy to Moderate

Voice mix: Can be performed by mixed or unmixed choir

Children: Two of the songs were written for a children's choir

Solo parts: None, though some parts could be designated for solos or small groups

Resources: mp3 rehearsal tracks available
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Contact us for an evaluation copy or permission to perform the work.