Score & Part
On to the field : for wind band and pipe organ / Andrew Batterham.
Library shelf no. 784.83/BAT 1 [Not for loan]
Work Overview
"On to the field, our doom is sealed,
To conquer or be slaves;
The sun shall see our country free.
Or set upon our graves!"
These words were attributed to Timothy Hayes, a participant in
the Eureka Stockade uprising in 1854. He was chairman of the
Ballarat Reform League, helping to convene the Monster Meetings
on Bakery Hill that took place around a large flag pole that
would soon fly the Southern Cross. Hayes read the poem to the
huge crowd as part of a pledge of allegiance that also included
the Eureka Oath, penned by their military leader Peter Lalor.
Hayes' wife Anastasia was one of the women who helped sew the
original Eureka Flag, itself a symbol of Australia's eventual
democratic parliament.
On To The Field was commissioned by the City of
Melbourne for premiere by the Royal Australian Air Force Band,
under the direction of Squadron Leader Steve Wright. The work is
intended to convey the feelings of all involved in the Eureka
Stockade uprising.
Work Details
Year: 2011
Instrumentation: Piccolo, flute, 2 oboes, 2 bassoons, 3 clarinets, bass clarinet, 2 alto saxophones, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, 3 trumpets, 3 horns in F, 2 trombones, bass trombone, euphonium, tuba, string bass, timpani, percussion (3 players), pipe organ.
Duration: 13 min.
Difficulty: Advanced
Commission note: Commissioned by City of Melbourne for performance by Royal Australian Air Force Band.
First performance: by Royal Australian Air Force Band, Dean Lucin, Steve Wright — 12 Dec 11. Melbourne Town Hall
Subjects
- Has as subject/About: Historical events
Performances of this work
12 Dec 11: Melbourne Town Hall. Featuring Royal Australian Air Force Band, Dean Lucin, Steve Wright.
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