*
banner

The perfect ode to joy...

An innovative arts project in Germany saw train passengers given a remarkable outdoor performance of Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' from over 100 musicians over 2.5km of track...

bLECHKLANG
  The players had to bear the cold weather to take part in the project as the trains sped past!

Before European wide constraints imposed by the Coronavirus pandemic took stringent effect, more than 100 musicians joined with the players of Jena Brass Band BlechKLANG in Germany to take part in the innovative 'Moving Landscapes — Concerts for Passing Trains' arts project.

Tune in

Along a 2.5km route between the Thuringian cities of Jena and Weimar, the musicians performed parts of Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' on platforms and in the countryside near the railway lines, with train passengers able to tune-in via radios inside the carriages as they passed them by.

Brass Band BlechKLANG MD, Alexander Richter, had to take on the unfamiliar role of project co-ordinator — ensuring his band performed at just the right time as the trains sped past — 12 times in 1 hour.

Remote

He told 4BR: "The remote control aspect made the project very special — and difficult! After all, the audience had to hear the famous music exactly when their train was at the same place as the musicians. It was a fantastic idea and a fantastic experience!"

The initiative was the idea of two professors at the famous Bauhaus University in Weimar. Jörn Hintzer and Jakob Hüfner wanted to create a special concert where the audience consisted completely of train passengers.

More than 100 performers took part at various stations and high points — from the brass band to choirs and individual artists — each playing part of the 'Ode' so that it joined together to form a continuous melody as the train sped past over the 2.5kms.

More than 100 performers took part at various stations and high points — each playing part of the 'Ode' so that it joined together to form a continuous melody as the train sped past over the 2.5kms4BR

Put together

Each time a train approached, the musical puzzle was put together and transmitted into the interior of the carriages — a mixture of music and physics that worked perfectly.

Alexander added: "We are very proud that we were able to participate as a brass band in this pilot project, which is to be tried out on other stretches of track in Germany to give passengers a memorable musical and artistic experience.

We are always looking for exciting opportunities to introduce the typical brass band sound to a new audience — and this was a great way to do just that."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Crewe Brass

September 16 • We are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd