Hellfire was written for the Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band’s programme of music at the 40th Brass in Concert Championships at the Sage, Gateshead; a programme which told the story of the Great Fire of London 350 years ago. 

 

Hellfire depicts part of the story where the fire broke out on Pudding Lane and spread throughout London, causing havoc and leading people to flee from the city for their safety. 

 

The piece opens with night falling upon the city on the evening of September 2nd, 1666.  Swirling sounds and distant rumblings are heard throughout the band as easterly winds blow strongly through the city.  Suddenly a single spark is blown out of the baker’s oven and ignites the great fire.  The fire quickly spreads, alarm bells are raised, and panic ensues as people scream and run for their lives from the menacing fire.  The strong wind carries the dancing fire across rooftops from house to house and the sound of collapsing structures thunders with the roaring flames.  People look in awe and horror at the mighty fire surrounding them, whilst they stand in the ‘eye of the storm’.  Gunpowder-fuelled explosions boom and the escape from the city continues.  People piling their precious belongings onto boats and sailing down the River Thames to escape.  A feeling of hope is cast upon London as the fire finally begins to subside, and 4 days later… darkness finally falls upon the city once more.