A Veiled Smile

A Veiled Smile reimagines the popular wartime marching song “Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit-Bag, and Smile, Smile, Smile” by St Asaph born brothers Felix and George Powell. The piece was commissioned by the North Wales International Music Festival and the Thomas Howell Education Fund to mark the centenary of the end of World War 1.

The piece begins as if under a veil of smoke whereby a blended soundscape created by the orchestra disguises the melodies coming from the brass section. The veil is lifted with the emergence of the “Pack Up Your Troubles” theme which is recognisable but altered to feel more playful. This theme is taken through a variety of transformations and influences of Aaron Copland can be heard in the harmony and structure. The piece faints a final climax before the mist descends once more and the theme drifts away over the horizon. 

A Veiled Smile was premiered by NEW Sinfonia and Young Musicians from North Wales during the 2018 ‘Reflections’ Festival.