The 19th century brass band in Northern England : musical and social factors in the development of a major amateur musical medium

Newsome, R

Abstract

This thesis examines the development of the amateur wind band in Britain during the
nineteenth century, with special reference to the increasing domination of the brass band,
particularly in northern England. After a preliminary review of British amateur wind
bands generally, the growth of the brass band competition is investigated, showing how
the contesting bands were initially concentrated in Yorkshire. The effects of industrial
sponsorship and the emergence of the volunteer movement from 1859 are examined,
along with the consequent shift in the concentration of bands from Yorkshire - mainly to
Lancashire but also, to a limited degree, to other parts of the north and to the north
midlands. Instrumentation and repertoire are also discussed, along with some collections
of early band music.
Part 2 of the thesis looks specifically at developments during the final quarter of
the century, first of all in terms of repertoire, then through some of the personalities
involved - conductors and players - before investigating the roles played by the best of
the bands. Finally, having shown how a regional brass band movement grew from a
nationwide net-work of wind bands, the thesis looks at ways in which the fledgling brass
band movement began to spread, paving the way for the national and, indeed,
international brass band movement of the twentieth century.

Citation

Newsome, R. The 19th century brass band in Northern England : musical and social factors in the development of a major amateur musical medium. (Thesis). University of Salford, UK

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jun 5, 2009
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 11, 2017
• Keywords: History, literature, mass media, performing arts
• Award Date: Jan 1, 1999