THE 80th anniversary of the evacuation of Imber was marked through music by Bratton Silver Band at Bratton Community Brass Bands Autumn Concert at Edington Priory Church on Saturday 28th October.
The concert paid tribute to the villagers who gave up their homes in the village to provide an exercise area for troops preparing for the invasion of Europe during the World War II.
A Bratton Silver Band spokesperson said, “Recognising the strength of feeling for Imber, Bratton Silver Band chose to mark its own 160th anniversary in 2019 with a project commissioning a piece of music entitled ‘The Lost Village of Imber’. The band wished to share the Imber story and keep memories alive through music, paying tribute to those who have lived and worked there and those who continue to maintain and sustain access to this special place.
“With support from Brass Bands England, Bratton Silver Band successfully applied for an Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant and grant from the Norman Jones Trust Fund. Together, with support from the Friends of St Giles Church, Imber, and the local community of Bratton supporting fundraising efforts, the project became a reality culminating in an outstanding 12-minute musical composition ‘The Lost Village of Imber’ by Christopher Bond which the band was delighted to perform in such a wonderful location.
“The music continued to resonate with an evocative sense of history with the band’s performance of ‘Imber Variations’ a series of linked pieces accompanied by visuals of Imber and its villagers: This commenced with the ethereal sounds of ‘On Imber Downe’ composed by Jonathan Scott setting the scene, leading into Gustav Holst’s, ‘The Song of the Blacksmith’ remembering Albert Nash the village Blacksmith who many said died of a broken heart when he had to leave.
“This was followed by the ‘Imber Hymn’ ably performed by principal cornet, Faye Coussens. Principal tenor horn, Denise Latham gave a beautiful rendition of Paul Lovatt Cooper’s ‘Upon Green Vales’ remembering the shepherd, Thomas Carter. In complete contrast, the band, with its impressive choreography, effectively performed Peter Graham’s ‘With Fire and Sword’ depicting Mathew Dean encountering highwaymen. The moving ‘Only in Sleep’ by Eriks Esenwald left the audience reflecting on memories of village life that once was, as flugel horn soloist, Lydia Hills expressive playing drew Imber Variations to an emotional close.
“Also featured in the concert was Bratton Brass Band, whose members performed The Eye of the Tiger, Colonel Bogey and music from the popular Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Bringing the concert to a fitting close, the massed bands filled the church with sound as they performed Alan Fernie’s Prismatic Light and music from Band of Brothers. Into the Future proved to be a spirited finale to a wonderful afternoon of music in beautiful surroundings, greatly enjoyed by an enthusiastic and very appreciative audience.”
