Kemal at Gallipoli

2019 | 7’30”

Large orchestra version - 3.3.3.3/4.3.3.1/timp+3/harp/pno+cel/strings

Selected for BBC National Orchestra of Wales’ Composition: Wales 2020 workshops

Chamber orchestra version - 2.2.2.2/4.2.3.1/timp+2/harp/pno/6.5.4.4.2

Winner of the Hastings Philharmonic International Composition Competition 2019

It was during the Gallipoli Campaign of World War One that Mustafa Kemal made his name as a great leader. On August 9th 1915 he withstood a counterattack from New Zealand troops at Chunuk Bair. His staff supported retreating, but Kemal disagreed, telling his men:

“Don’t rush it, my sons. Don’t be in a hurry. We will choose exactly the right minute, then I shall go out in front. When you see me raise my hand, look to it that you have your bayonets sharp and fixed, and come out after me.”

On August 10th, at 4:45am, Kemal raised his hand. The Ottoman attack devastated the British and New Zealand troops, and Chunuk Bair was reclaimed.

Kemal at Gallipoli is the story of that night. The sun sets in the wake of an artillery barrage, echoes of gunfire ringing in the air, the sounds of distant fighting growing weaker. A velvet darkness, the stars singing, insects chirping, a soft wind through the trees and the water lapping against the shore down below. A rumour stirs the Ottoman camp - “We’re attacking now!” It dissipates. What little sleep that can be had is plagued by restless dreams. Finally, it is time to prepare for the counterattack. Bayonets fixed, all eyes are on Kemal, whose hand signals the charge.

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