Beyond the Falls – The Smoke that Thunders

David Livingstone was a renowned Scottish missionary and explorer whose legendary expeditions from 1841 until his death in 1873 took him deep into the interior of central and southern Africa.  While his initial aim was to spread Christianity and commerce, his legacy became defined by his relentless spirit of discovery.

This work captures the harrowing and ultimately triumphant journey that led to his discovery of Victoria Falls.  Originally composed for the GUS Band’s performance at the 2012 Brass in Concert Championships, the work was expanded in 2026 for the Black Dyke Band’s recording, Gothique Fantasy – The Music of Andrew Wainwright.

The music opens with an air of trepidation, reflecting the weight of the mission ahead.  This tension soon gives way to a more optimistic section featuring the Scottish folk song A Man’s a Man for a’ That.  Livingstone reportedly hummed this Rabbie Burns tune to bolster his spirits while travelling.  The score then depicts the immense hardships of the expedition (letters F to L), illustrating skirmishes with suspicious local tribes, wild animal attacks, and bouts of African fever.

Following these trials, a more reflective, emotive movement (Letters L to R) explores Livingstone’s internal struggle and his doubts about continuing.  This emotional core is built upon the hymn Lord, Send Me Anywhere, a melody composed by Livingstone himself.  Emerging from this prayer with renewed purpose, the final section (Letter R to the end) follows his path along the Zambezi River.  The music builds to a triumphant climax, capturing his elation at seeing the magnificent Victoria Falls - known locally as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ (The Smoke that Thunders).