*
banner

Maurice Murphy tribute on Besson Fridays at Home

A very special episode this week with a tribute to the great former London Symphony Orchestra and Black Dyke Band player — complete with some fantastic special guests.

mUPRHY
  The great Maurice Murphy is the subject of the tribute broadcast — with some very special guests

The 'Besson Fridays at Home' team have announced that for their first broadcast of 2021 they have lined up a very special feature.

The studio guest of Steve, Philip and Roger is Richard Evans who be joined by five other international contributors paying tribute to the late great Maurice Murphy MBE, who died in 2010.

The iconic London Symphony Orchestra principal trumpet developed his incredible talent in the brass band movement — most memorably as principal cornet of Black Dyke Mills Band from 1957 to 1962.

Special guests

Making this a programme not to be missed, there are special video contributions from the legendary composer Hollywood composer John Williams, who tells of the affection and respect he had for him — especially as Maurice's first day in the job was recording the theme tune to a certain film called 'Star Wars'!

John Williams once said that he was "a heraldic spirit", whose playing articulated "the ideal voice of a hero". All future scores had Murphy's trumpet sound in mind.

Murphy himself was self effacing: "I'm just another trumpet player who's been very lucky."

Tributes

There are also contributions from Thomas Gansch from Mnozil Brass who recalls his extraordinary generosity, and Jens Lindemann. He recalls how he could stop any chatter in an American bar when he would simply introduce Maurice as the man who played the 'Star Wars' theme.

In addition there are tributes from two world class performers who played with him — Ian Bousfield who for many years was in the incredible brass section of the London Symphony Orchestra, and Philip Cobb, who eventually took over his mantle.

Privilege

Steven Mead told 4BR: "There is also a chance to hear a wonderful interview with the late Rod Franks, another Black Dyke player who graduated to the LSO, and who organised his final retirement party.

We are privileged to hear some cherished stories from that party as well as from the greatly missed virtuoso himself."

Besson Fridays at Home, Friday 29th January 6 pm life and you can watch it later of course.

Enjoy:


Go to: All this and more in this week's superb Episode 13 of Besson Fridays at Home
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/
https://www.facebook.com/4barsrest

John Williams once said that he was "a heraldic spirit", whose playing articulated "the ideal voice of a hero". All future scores had Murphy's trumpet sound in mind4BR

Previous Episodes:


Episode 12:
Keith Hutchinson and Tom Smith
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/videos/696285934615157

Episode 11:
Phil Cobb and Stephen Cobb
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/videos/173773204414220

Episode 10:
Chris Bradley and Mike Cavanagh
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/videos/378376613490663

Episode 9:
Helen Harrelson and Misa Mead
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/videos/403404634387318

Episode 8:
Thomas Ruedi and Harmen Vanhoorne
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/videos/403021190697675

Episode 7:
Davur Juul Magnussen and John Barber
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/videos/4511865358886917

Episode 6:
Derick Kane and Stephen Kane
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/videos/2697574597127493

Episode 5:
Ian Porthouse and Dewi Griffths
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/videos/755381705256477

Episode 4:
James Gourlay and Les Neish
https://www.facebook.com/BessonBrass/videos/2864126147164239

Episode 3:
Owen Farr and Ailsa Russell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2c-SLs3ujY&fbclid=IwAR1xdfk1dO_Z9xTV8-jnJXP6GP6cyxMxw_Th-W8QTrLM61VdpMxWV0Hwvi8

Episode 2:
Tom Hutchinson, Sheona White and Mark Wilkinson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yWqt_Az90I&fbclid=IwAR1EdTIm14XeEGTF6l1Wph3Rw0seCwAyRiY0IP8K95Orq5L5HsJbcJf6e8k

Episode 1:
Philip Harper, Steven Mead, Roger Webster and Tom Hutchinson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0VYGFu6rpE&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1VKnZzVAQ3mPmG7HWKVFim8yAQgcTJNvRvzI8heK1D8S29pVNeyv5A-5w

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    


Cory

Last chord for Cory legends

June 30 • The final notes of a decade of unprecedented success have been delivered by Glyn and Helen Williams at Cory Band.


Hepworth

Report & Result: Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • The wizards of Hepworth pick up yet another march and hymn tune victory as they take the inaugural Red Admiral honours.


Crofton

Result: Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • Crofton Silver drive home with the top prize at Wetherby.


Mnozil

Mnozil Brass booked for Symphony Hall in 2027

June 30 • After their memorable performance in Birmingham on the weekend, over 650 tickets have already been snapped up for their 2027 return.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Principal Cornet. . Would you like to be a part of the process to lead & shape the future of the band? Newport Borough Brass Band are looking for a dynamic Principal Cornet player to lead the team.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Musical Director.. The band are looking for a positive and dynamic leader who can further develop our players skills & aid us in our aspirations of reaching the 1st section.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd