FOR VALOUR - Martin Ellerby

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In memory of Cpt. Edward Kinder Bradbury VC (1881-1914) and in admiration of Pte. William Speakman VC (b. 1927) 

 

This short work was written as a tribute to Altrincham's two recipients of the illustrious Victoria Cross awarded for valour. Bradbury won his VC posthumously in a famous artillery action at the beginning of the First World War known as 'The Affair at Nery'. He is buried in the small French town of that name not far from the scene of his action. Speakman was awarded his VC during the Korean War surviving his ordeal and becoming quite a figure in British public life. Both men have commemorative plaques in Altrincham: Bradbury's a blue plaque at the site of his birthplace and Speakman’s on a whole bridge named after him. The music is reflective and certainly not descriptive of arduous military endeavour. Cast in a single span it grows in intensity to a rich climax thereafter subsiding into a serene E flat major cadence. 

 

© 2017 Martin Ellerby

 

“Who would true valour see, let him come hither; one here will constant be, come wind come weather.” - John Bunyan

Violin I

Violin II

Viola

Violoncello

Double Bass

C. 8 minutes