Rob Bridges experiences a moving performance of The Armed Man at Bath Abbey
At a time of remembrance for those who gave their lives for us all, the Fulltone Orchestra returned to Bath Abbey with Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man. Written at the turn of the millennium, this powerful work is both a lament and a call — a cry against war and a prayer for peace.
As always, Fulltone saved the main event for the second half of the evening. With the Abbey filled to the rafters and an expectant audience in place, part one set the tone beautifully. There was national pride in Crown Imperial, celebration and energy in Anvil Chorus, and emotion in abundance through Elgar’s Enigma Variations and John Williams’ Hymn to the Fallen from Saving Private Ryan — both deeply moving tributes to remembrance and hope.
Then came The Armed Man, the centrepiece of the evening and a performance that will stay long in the memory. From the opening call to prayer to the closing plea for peace, the orchestra and chorus of 85 voices delivered an extraordinary emotional journey — from the rising tension of battle to moments of breathtaking stillness and tenderness. The haunting echoes of the Last Post resonated through the Abbey, silencing the audience in shared reflection.
Fulltone’s attention to detail was evident throughout — from the warm welcome at the door and the thoughtful programme, to the orchestration, the acoustics of the Abbey, and the stunning backdrop of 6,800 suspended paper doves. Every element contributed to a deeply moving experience, performed with passion, precision and reverence.
A standing ovation was inevitable — and richly deserved. This was a performance that reminded us not only of the horrors of war, but of the enduring power of music to unite, heal and inspire.
Find out more at bathabbey.org/whats-on/the-fulltone-orchestra-the-armed-man.
