The fourth and last episode in our series on the Great War in 1916 looks at Brusilov’s Offensive and the Battle of the Somme. We pause to contemplate the mind-numbing bloodshed of the Great War, and look at some of its most famous poems.

Learn more about Wilfred Owen and his poetry at the Wilfred Owen Association website.

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Fanfare

Opening War Theme

Sonatina No. 5
Composed in 1919 by Ferrucio Busoni. Public domain.
Performed by Peter McKenzie Armstrong, and used pursuant to a Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 license. Source.

In Flanders Fields

Except when otherwise indicated, the contents of this podcast are © and ℗ 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 by Mark Painter, all rights reserved. Some music and sound effects used by arrangement with Pond 5.

 
The third of four episodes on the Great War in 1916 examines the Austrian offensive in the Alps, more Russian planning for a new offensive, and the Battle of Jutland.

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Fanfare

Opening War Theme

The Wand of Youth
Composed in 1908 by Edward Elgar. Public domain.
Performed by Steve’s Bedroom Band, and used pursuant to a Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 license. Source.

Closing War Theme

Except when otherwise indicated, the contents of this podcast are © and ℗ 2016, 2017, 2018 by Mark Painter, all rights reserved. Some music and sound effects used by arrangement with Pond 5.

 
The second of four episodes on the Great War in 1916 examines Russian planning for a new offensive and the German sinking of the passenger ferry Sussex.

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Fanfare

Opening War Theme

Goyescas (Piano Suite)
Composed in 1911 by Enrique Granados. Public domain.
Performed by Ruben Lorenzo, and used pursuant to a Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 license. Source.

Closing War Theme

Except when otherwise indicated, the contents of this podcast are © and ℗ 2016, 2017, 2018 by Mark Painter, all rights reserved. Some music and sound effects used by arrangement with Pond 5.

 
The year 1916 begins with a new German offensive on the French fortifications at Verdun.

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Fanfare

Opening War Theme

Pictures at an Exhibition
Composed in 1874 by Modest Mussorgsky; orchestral arrangement by Maurice Ravel. Public domain.
Performed by The Skidmore College Orchestra. Public domain recording. Source.

Closing War Theme

Except when otherwise indicated, the contents of this podcast are © and ℗ 2016, 2017, 2018 by Mark Painter, all rights reserved. Some music and sound effects used by arrangement with Pond 5.