Langton's musical inscription

[bobpike]

In a previous correspondence, I think with Kate, there was discussion on Langton's musical inscription. Well, here it is (hopefully). Apologies if this has been posted before

[HERITAGE PLUS]

For those who missed the discussion thread here it is:

http://1914-1918.org/forum/index.php?showt...hl=langton&st=0

Dave

[Guest Hill 60]

I saw this grave a couple of years ago when some kindly Belgians took me on a tour of the battlefields and cemeteries.

Last year I was at a WFA lecture and a lady from Birmingham University (can't remember her name) gave a talk about the inscriptions on CWGC headstones.

She stated that only words and not figures could be used, and she was most suprised when I pointed out during the Q&As that there was this headstone with the musical notes on it.

So, what's the tune?

[BIG DAVE]

One answer to this query can be found on the CWGC web site at:

http://www.cwgc.org/education/anthem.htm

It is suggested the notes come from the song After the Ball

[Kate Wills]

I am not convinced by that at all. 'After the Ball' is in waltz time, whereas the inscription is in common/march time. Take a look here

Also, unless 'Ater the Ball' had some significance for Langton and his family, why choose that in favour of the classical pieces he played. I think we are looking for something a little more profound and (dare I say) spohisticated; though, like the Enigma of Elgar's Variations, anything is possible.