Beyond the Trenches was commissioned by Bentley Priory Museum as a finale to their exhibition, Dowding and WW1: The making of a Commander. It took place on Saturday 11 November 2017. CD recording available.
The concert featured songs from the first world war alongside songs from 1900-1920. The programme included two new songs written by Bryan Kesselman and Philip Barnett on the subject of WW1.
what remains? The words of this song were inspired by the story of Paul Barnett, a soldier in the Labour Corps during WW1. what remains? not the noise of battle not the trenches not the mud not the young men
places remain Passchendaele, Somme, Verdun
and names on headstones in manicured cemeteries identical memorials camouflaging those who lie beneath
and poppies
what remains? not the noise of battle not the trenches not the mud not the young men