There is to be welcome performance of Liz Lane's First World War commemorative composition 'Silver Rose' this week in Scotland.

It will feature Newmains & District Band and baritone soloist Katrina Marzella, as part of a free special memorial event to take place at the local Coltness Memorial Church on Friday 12th October (7.00pm).

Silver Rose

'Silver Rose' is a musical response to five poems by Bristol born poet Isaac Rosenberg (1890-1918), who died in action during the War.

Working like a song cycle, the poems are read before and during each of the five musical movements; the lyrical line can be clearly traced in the first, third and fifth movements, whereas the second and fourth are a more dramatic and aesthetic reflection.

The choice of texts for the musical settings echo perspectives including the atrocities of war and hope for peace.

Two sources

The title takes its name from two sources. The 1914 Star was a British campaign medal awarded to men who served in France or Belgium between 5th August and 22nd November 1914.

Those who fought under enemy fire were also entitled to a bronze horizontal clasp engraved with the above dates and could attach a small silver rose to the ribbon when not wearing the medal.

The final movement of the work, 'Song', also includes the words 'silver rose'. During this last section, all performers stand up in honour of those who lost their lives in the war. As the music draws to a close, fewer instruments play, ending with one solo Bb bass and the remainder of the band in silence.

The choice of texts for the musical settings echo perspectives including the atrocities of war and hope for peace4BR

Evocative work

Conductor Mike Marzella told 4BR: "We are delighted to be able to work alongside Liz Lane to provide the Scottish premiere of here wonderfully evocative work.

Her guidance and encouragement throughout the creative processes have been enlightening and invaluable.

In response Liz added: "I'm thrilled that Newmains led by Mike will be performing this new version of 'Silver Rose'. It's been a real pleasure to collaborate with them and I'm looking forward to the performance with the wonderful narrator Ian Sommerville and guest soloist Katrina Marzella."