The Truro: A New Composition For Orchestra

My family's story told through music, the story of indentured Indians or the forgotten slaves.
About a 150 years ago my great, great grandmother, Esther, made the perilous journey as an indentured servant from her home in India to South Africa. In the piece I have written I hope to portray the emotion, homesickness and deep sense of longing that Esther and thousands of other Indians must have experienced.
The piece begins with a nod to British imperialism and Victoriana before a more sinister variation. The 6/8 depicts the perilous voyage across the Indian ocean. Throughout the ship's journey, the labourers endured the hardships of a long sea voyage. This is followed by a more pensive section written using the tonality of Raag Vibhas or 'daybreak' representing a new dawn in a new country. The finale is full of hope, optimism and the desire to build a better life.There are 5 short variations of the main theme in the finale with each variation representing a different generation since slavery until now. Esther, Winifred, Charles, Sally and Roger. In this story, I don’t mention apartheid and my family’s struggle with racism before finally settling in the UK. That’s for another day!
This is a digital rendition with a score and parts available for live performance.