City of Hull Brass Band (Formerly EYMS) - "An Anchor For The Soul" (Cornet and Euphonium Duet)

In early 1968, three Humber trawlers were lost at sea in awful conditions. The St Romanus and the Kingston Peridot were lost with all hands. Of the crew aboard the Ross Cleveland, only one survived.
In all, fifty-eight men died.
The tragic events of what became called the 'Triple Trawler Tragedy', united the Humber community - both in grief for those lost, and in resolve that such loss of life should never occur again.
As part of the commemorations within the local community for the 50th anniversary I was approached by the City of Hull Band to provide a cornet and euphonium duet, for their programme at Brass in Concert 2019. This would serve both as a memorial to those who lost their lives, and a tribute to those such as the Hessle Road Women's Committee - often colloquially known as the 'Headscarf Revolutionaries' - and their indefatigable founder, Lillian 'Big Lil' Bilocca. These brave women took up the fight for better conditions in the fishing industry on behalf of their men. Their tireless campaigning to bring in safer working practices led to an official enquiry into the tragedy and eventually improved legislation, which still saves lives at sea to this day.
Unknown to the band, my Mother's family also hails from Hull and remember the events well, and my great-grandfather was a merchant seaman for Hull shipping companies all his life. The events and commemorations also have great personal significance to myself.
'An Anchor for the soul' comprises two seafaring hymns, "Eternal Father Strong to Save" and "Nearer My God to Thee", using the tunes they are most commonly sung to in the 21st century - Melita (J.B. Dykes 1823-1876) and Bethany (L. Mason, 1792 - 1872). The cornet and euphonium alternate between calling back and forth from ship to shore, and singing together in harmony - depicting the constant separation and reunion which have eternally been part and parcel of the lives of those at sea.
The title of the work was inspired by the Hull seaman's mission, who in their literature describe themselves as an 'anchor for the soul' of the Humber shipping crews and their families. A sailor's relationship with the sea is always a difficult one, and the communities, families and organisations that support seafarers remain as important to them ashore as any anchor they will ever weigh at sea.
It is both an honour and a privilege to present this piece as a memorial to those lost, and a tribute to the City of Hull, her people, and the band who represent her today.
Andi Cook
October 2019

[@IanLanceley1]

What a beautiful piece!! ❤️

[@hoorooblu]

Beautifully done by composer, arranger conductor performers.

[@Jayme501]

This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard. It reminds me of my sister who passed last year. Today is her birthday and this helps me feel connected to her again, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@hysteria1979]

I'm so glad the piece made a connection for you. I'm sorry to hear of your loss.
It never ceases to surprise me how the power of music can say what can't be said, and help bring people together. I hope it always will. The world needs it now more than ever.