I discovered that the famous 307 Squadron - also known as the Eagle-Owls - consisted, almost exclusively, of Polish airman.
It was, in fact, the only Polish night fighter squadron fighting alongside the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. The
squadron played a significant part in 'Operation Nest-egg' which saw the liberation of the Channel Islands from German occupation
in May, 1945.
Could these airmen have known anything of the conditions suffered by their compatriots on the ground? Conversely, the
labourers themselves can have had no notion that this brave Polish squadron would play such a vital role in their own liberation.
Of course, these ponderings soon lead beyond the circumstances of one particular nation to consider the broader question of
humanity in crisis. With this in mind, I felt it important not just to celebrate the euphoria of release but to reflect on events and
circumstances prior to liberation.
So this piece moves, as it were, from darkness to light. The opening fanfare has the feeling of a "gathering storm", to borrow
from Churchill's account of the period. The fanfare subsides to be replaced by a solemn, chorale-like theme in C minor. This
contemplates the hardship and suspension of hope felt by the islanders and prisoners far from home. The final iteration of the
theme is the turning point and, moving into E flat major, celebrates both the bravery of the liberating forces and the triumph of
hope by the suppressed inhabitants. The varied repeat of the opening fanfare speaks for itself - a jubilant conclusion.
The work is dedicated to those who endured and fought against the occupation of Jersey.
World Premiere: Fanfare and Chorale
Thursday 10th May 2012, 1.15pm
Jersey International Music Festival.
Jersey Premier Brass | The Royal Square, St Helier
Works: Fanfare and Chorale
