There is to be a major BBC radio feature on brass and band music making this festive season with an examination of the origins of brass bands and how they evolved and developed in different parts of the world.
Narrator
To be featured on the BBC World Service Music Extra, 'How Brass Conquered the World', will be narrated by Stephen Tompkinson, the actor in the film 'Brassed Off!'
Also involved in the programme is the respected brass band historian and record collector Tim Mutum, whilst music is provided by Stalybridge Old Band, Grimethorpe Colliery and others.
Historic development
The historic development of banding in the UK and throughout the world is looked at, as well as well as other brass styles such as the jazz of New Orleans.
'How Brass Conquered the World' also looks at how brass band music has seeped into wider musical tastes (perhaps explaining why the current BBC link features an image of the songwriter and musician Nile Rodgers) — from film scores and adverts to the inclusion of popular classical music such as Rodrigo's 'Concierto De Aranjuez' in brass band concert programmes.
To be featured on the BBC World Service Music Extra, 'How Brass Conquered the World', will be narrated by Stephen Tompkinson, the actor in the film 'Brassed Off!'4BR
Date and time
The programme will be aired on BBC World Service on Saturday 30th December at 2.06pm and again on Sunday 31st December at 8.06pm.
