Around the Horn by Frank Downes: Chapter 2

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 2 tells of his first piano concerto performance; his first Radio broadcast on the BBC; his brother's kind gift of a French horn; piano and horn lessons; experiences playing the horn in amateur and professional orchestras; and the start of World War II. This episode ends with Andrew Downes' Symphony No.1 2nd movement since it depicts the horrors of Nuclear War.