I wrote this short piece for double bass and piano for the sad occasion of the centenary commemoration of the start of WWI. It was inspired by the beautiful poem, "In Flanders Field," by John McRae, written in 1915. David Heyes, a wonderful performer, composer, educator, and publisher of music for the double bass premiered this piece June 13, 2014  at St. Thomas Church, Mamhead, Exeter, in England, and has played it on numerous occasions since then.

David Heyes, always generous in his praise for other composers was kind enough to write about my music here in his blog : My Favorite Bass Things

This version below is not a live recording. I will update with one when available.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS
by John McCrae


In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place, and in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead; short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe!
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high!
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.