*
banner

4BR Monday Interview with Martin Bailey

We find out more about Vincent van Gogh's musical connections with the author and journalist Martin Bailey following the discovery that the great Dutch artist was a honorary member of his local wind band.

vanGogh
  Vincent van Gogh was a founder honorary member of Harmonie de Vooruitgang Wind Band

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

For the Monday interview on 4BR we are joined by journalist and author Martin Bailey who writes a weekly blog for the 'The Art Newspaper'.

Martin is a leading expert on the Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh, and has published numerous articles many of which have shed new light on his life and work.

Discovery

These include the recent discovery of an entry in a ledger containing the names of the 68 Honorary Members who helped establish the formation of the Harmonie de Vooruitgang (Harmony of Progress) wind band in the Dutch town of Nuenen in 1884 — later to become Brass Band Nuenen.

Van Gogh lived and worked in the town for two years from December 1883, producing one his most celebrated works, 'The Potato Eaters' there in early 1885.

Martin tells us that the discovery sheds new light on his time in Nuenen.

Find out more

You can find out more about Martins' articles and blogs on Van Gogh at: www.theartnewspaper.com

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    


4BR Review

4BR Review — A look back at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival and more

January 28 • Join Iwan and Chris on Thursday evening for a look back at the RNCM Festival as well as looking forward to the Norwegian Nationals in Bergen and more...


Simone Rebello

4BR interview with Simone Rebello

January 28 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox caught up with Simone Rebello to find out more about the forthcoming RNCM Day of Percussion.


Ulf Rosenberg

4BR interview with EBBA President Ulf Rosenberg

January 28 • 4BR speaks to the EBBA President after the announcement that the 2028 European Championships will not take place in England.


rps aWARDS

Shepherd Group join Moore on RPS shortlist

January 28 • The Shepherd Group and conductor Sean Chandler have nominated for the RPS 'Inspiration Award' — and the banding movement can help them win it with their votes.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Cambrian Brass

January 24 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Newtown Silver Band

January 24 • Newtown Silver Band are recruiting a Musical Director. We seek a leader with brass band experience who can motivate and develop players. A charismatic individual who can shape and deliver concert programmes to be enjoyed by both players and audience.


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd