*
banner

Classic test-pieces revisited No 4: Victorian Snapshots — On Ratcliff Highway

The the fourth of our series, Prof Steven Allen takes an in-depth look at one of the major crossover works to the banding movement that came from the Salvation Army composer Ray Steadman-Allen.

Allen
  Ray Steadman Allen's work was written in 1978

Prof Stephen Allen takes an in depth look at one of the classic works for the brass band medium — Ray Steadman Allen's 1978 work, 'Victorian Snapshots — On Ratcliff Highway'.

A 'sound picture' of one of the most colourful as well as infamous stretches of the East End area on the banks of the River Thames, brought to life in its Victorian heyday by composer Ray Steadman-Allen.

Steven looks at the remarkable work that hides its quixotic subtleties, colours and textures in plain sight for all to picture in the mind's eye... although the composer himself rather forgot about much he wrote in the work...


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 enjoy busy 2025 with more to come in 2026

January 4 • Paul Holland and Flowers seek new horizons in 2026 after a busy year at home.


Clans contest

Battle of the Clans

January 4 • A new cross border contest pitting the bands of the North of England against their Scottish counterparts will take place in June.


Brass Monkeys

Podcast: The Brass Monkeys — Episode 22

January 4 • The popular podcast with a distinctive Welsh flavour returns for the new year.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

January 4 • Sandy and Simon look back at the topics and discussions that they covered during 2025.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • PRINCIPAL Eb BASS position - our enthusiastic team of basses are looking for the right leader to elevate them to the next level. We have a great program of events ahead of us including contests and concerts alongside a good social vibe.


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • Championship CORNET players - we are looking for a strong front row player to complete our section. We have a great year ahead including contests, hymn and march contests, concerts and Durham Miners alongside a good social vibe.


East London Brass

January 3 • PERCUSSIONIST - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a percussionist to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd