THE SWORD AND THE STAR
Andrew Baker
Price: £37.50
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The Sword and the Star was commissioned by Middleton Band in 2006 and first performed by the band at a concert in Boarshurst Band Club in July 2006; the band subsequently recorded it on their CD “The Sword and the Star” released in early 2007. To purchase the CD, please visit the band's website and contact them via email. The CD was recorded by KMJ Recordings.
The initial inspiration for the work was the band’s crest which features a medieval archer; this is a reference to the bowmen of Middleton and Heywood who, under the command of Lord of the Manor Sir Richard Assheton, played a crucial role in the English victory over the Scots at the battle of Flodden in September 1513. I was struck by how much history is visible in the modern town of Middleton and wanted to write a piece which reflected the links between the old and the new.
After the battle Sir Richard came to St Leonard’s church in Middleton to give thanks, and presented a captured sword to the church in recognition of Middleton’s contribution – the “Flodden Sword” is still kept at the church to this day. The black star from the Assheton family crest forms part of the modern Rochdale Borough Council crest, and hence both the sword and the star represent a link with the Middleton of half a millennium ago.
The music is in one continuous movement and can be separated into three sections – fanfare, lament and dance. The last two sections feature a Scottish folk song called “The Flowers of the Forest” which commemorates the men lost at Flodden.
The Sword and the Star is dedicated to Middleton Band and their Musical Director, Carl Whiteoak.
Listen to the sample audio file of The Sword and The Star here.
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