*
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    


Podcast

Festival focus for 4BR Review podcast

January 14 • Join the live podcast broadcast this evening with Iwan Fox, Chris Thomas and Dr David Thornton as they preview the attractions at the forthcoming RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


RBC

Area test-piece focus at RBC Brass Day

January 14 • Players, conductors and brass band supporters can enjoy a full day of Third and Fourth Section test-piece workshops in Birmingham — with a Thomas Fountain bonus.


RNCM Festival

Cymbals to soundtracks on offer at RNCM Percussion Day

January 14 • There will be a full day of percussion attractions on offer at the RNCM in February.


Desford

Desford landmark with latest Vietnam tour

January 14 • The 2025 National Champion will head to Vietnam as they mark their 20th overseas tour.


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


Cheltenham Silver Band

January 14 • Tenor Horn, Bass, Percussion (all positions negotiable) in our 3rd Section Band.. . As we prepare for the West of England Areas with our professional conductor, Neil Brownless, and the 2026 summer season, we are looking to welcome new members.


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • New Year,New Section,New MD and for you New Band?. We are looking for a Tuned Percussionist for the areas and beyond.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday evening 8-10 in our own bandroom (so no setting up each time).


Chinnor Silver

January 13 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (19th) at 11am in our own bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake and coffee thrown in all free.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd