Brass Legacy: The titans of brass band publishing

Welcome to our latest blog, written by our Archivist Danielle, which explores three giants of Brass Band music publishing.

In our exploration and cataloguing of the Brass Bands Archive sheet music, we uncovered a treasure trove of music published by renowned publishers R. Smith & Co, Boosey & Hawkes, and Wright and Round, each contributing significantly to the rich tapestry of brass band repertoire. This blog briefly explores these three publishers and their history.

R. Smith & Co: A legacy in brass band publishing

In 2017, R. Smith & Company proudly celebrated 160 years as a beacon in the world of music publishing, with a rich history that resonates through the ages. Founded in 1857, this iconic publisher has built an impressive catalogue of brass band music, showcasing timeless classics that have defined the genre.

A historic catalogue

R. Smith & Co. is the proud publisher of some of the most revered works in brass band music. Think of John Ireland’s Comedy Overture, Gustav Holst’s A Moorside Suite, Herbert Howells’s Pageantry, and Eric Ball’s Resurgam—these compositions have become staples of the brass band repertoire. The journey began with Percy Fletcher's Labour and Love, the first significant original work for brass band published by R. Smith in 1913, which notably served as the test piece for the National Finals at the Crystal Palace.

Labour and Love by Percy E. Fletcher with programme [Ref: BBA/S/PS/F5/1]

At the helm during the early 20th century was John Henry Iles, who played a pivotal role in commissioning and publishing key works for brass band competitions, shaping the future of the genre.

Hymn of Praise by John Henry Iles [Ref: BBA/SC/5348]

A turning point in 1967

The winds of change blew through R. Smith & Co. in 1967, led by Geoffrey Brand, a music producer at the BBC. He sought creative freedom and found it in a new partnership with the legendary Eric Ball, who had been an integral figure at R. Smith. Their collaboration, which began with a fateful meeting at the Café de Paris, set the stage for a new era at the company.

Under Geoffrey's leadership, R. Smith & Co. flourished, bringing in fresh talent like Edward Gregson, Phillip Sparke, and Derek Bourgeois, ensuring the company’s relevance and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of brass band music.

The evolution continues

A significant transition occurred in July 2004 when R. Smith & Co. transferred its share capital to Salvationist Publishing and Supplies Ltd. This shift transformed the company into a specialised retailer of wind band and educational music while continuing to offer beloved R. Smith brass band titles and G&M Brand concert band music. Today, R. Smith & Co. remains committed to its legacy, serving as a vital resource for brass band enthusiasts and educators alike. From the classics of the past to contemporary works, the company continues to celebrate and promote the rich tapestry of brass band music.
As we look back on 160 years of R. Smith & Co., it’s clear that this storied publisher is not just a company; it’s a cornerstone of musical heritage, inspiring generations of musicians and composers.

The legacy of Hawkes and Boosey & Hawkes: A musical journey

Boosey and Hawkes Youth Cup [Ref: BBA/CM/T/83]

The birth of Hawkes and Son

Founded in 1865 by William Henry Hawkes, Hawkes and Son began as a partnership with French bandmaster Jules Riviere. Their venture focused on selling instruments, music, and accessories, laying the groundwork for a rich musical legacy.

A historic merger

In 1930, Hawkes and Son merged with Boosey & Company, which had its roots dating back to the 1760s. This union formed Boosey & Hawkes, combining two family businesses that excelled in music publishing and instrument manufacturing.

The rise of Boosey & Hawkes

Boosey & Company, established by John Boosey in the 1760s, was a pioneer in creating affordable editions of classical music. The company expanded rapidly, acquiring rights to works by composers like Rossini and Verdi. By the 1860s, they also started producing brass and wind instruments, leading to the famous Boosey Ballad Concerts in 1867, featuring beloved pieces like Danny Boy and The Lost Chord.

Hawkes and Son followed a similar path, focusing on band and orchestral music while also producing instruments and accessories. The merger allowed them to become a dominant force in international music publishing.

Boosey & Hawkes Uniform and Instrument Catalogue [Ref:BBA/PB/C/3]

A legacy of innovation

Ralph Hawkes played a crucial role in expanding the new company’s reach before World War II, signing iconic composers like Bartók, Britten, and Stravinsky. The acquisition of important catalogues in the late 1940s solidified their status, bringing works like The Rite of Spring and Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto into their repertoire.

Modern times

By the turn of the millennium, Boosey & Hawkes had cultivated an illustrious roster of contemporary composers, including Harrison Birtwistle and Elliott Carter. Today, it stands as the world’s largest specialist classical music publishing company, continuing to champion new music and working with leading composers such as John Adams and Sofia Gubaidulina. With a rich history and a commitment to innovation, Boosey & Hawkes remains a cornerstone of classical music publishing, ensuring that the legacies of past masters and contemporary visionaries thrive for generations to come.

The legacy of Wright and Round

Established in 1875 in Liverpool, Wright and Round was founded by musician Henry Round and businessman Thomas Wright. They quickly made their mark by publishing brass and military music, along with the Liverpool Brass Band & Military Journal. In 1881, they expanded their reach with the launch of Brass Band News, whose archives are now housed at Salford University.

Brass Band News (1978) [Ref: BBA/PB/J/9]

In 1890, F. Richardson began his own publishing venture, featuring works by W. Rimmer, J. Ambrose Greenwood, and E. Sutton. In the 1950s, he moved to Gloucester and acquired Wright & Round, which was eventually taken over by Interactive Sciences in 1991.

Interactive Sciences, led by directors Brian Last, Ken Sawyer, and musician Roger Thompson, embraced innovation, pioneering electronically produced sheet music. While Roger has since passed away and Ken and Brian have retired, the company now thrives under the stewardship of Brian's children, Victoria and Oliver. Music Editor Philip Harper oversees music and engraving, while Rachel Jones manages administrative tasks.

Today, Wright and Round continues to evolve from its new office in Devon, complete with a fully operational website.

There are many other publishers of brass band music in our collection, this blog tells the brief story of only three brass band publishing giants.