Around the Horn by Frank Downes: Chapter 11

Music & Conversation: The Podcast of English Composer Andrew Downes

Paula Downes reads her Grandfather and Andrew Downes' father Frank's book, Around the Horn, which tells the story of the Classical Music Industry from the point of view of a professional Horn player. Born 1921, died 2005, his fascinating orchestral career spanned the demise of the silent cinema, municipal seaside orchestras, the RAF Central band during World War II, orchestral playing in pre and post-war Britain, and the rise towards a Royal title for the Birmingham Conservatoire. Chapter 11 is about Frank's return to professional horn playing following the end of the war and the birth of his first child, Judith. He played for Sadlers Wells Ballet for a short time before gaining a position with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under Malcom Sargent. This epdisode ends with Folkdance from Andrew Downes' Suite for Brass Quintet No.1, because the performances of this work all over the UK, reflect the Sadlers Well tour Frank did, and the music is ideal for dancing to. The work is performed by Sennet Brass, recorded in 2020 as part of Andrew Downes' 70th Birthday year.