Tunes of Glory

I have the BoB “Special Edition” CD that has both the Walton and Goodwin tracks – 28 in all. The aerial battle sequence “Battle In The Air” (Track 17) is superb. It fits the footage brilliantly.

Anyone wishing to know where to get a copy should PM me.

Dean

On Saturday morning Angels One Five screened here on NZ’s Prime television channel. I didn’t even realise it was scheduled and happened across it half an hour into it, which peaved me off because I’d never seen it before and would like to have taped it completely – but I did record from that time onwards at least. Good film.

Anyway, as it went to each ad break they played The Royal Air Force March Past, as heard on ‘Tunes of Glory’, so I assume that was also the main theme of the film at the beginning. So, was this written for the film or was it an existing RAF tune?

I recall the RNZAF used to have it’s own tune that the band played on Wing Parades, etc., which sounded very similar but different and I believe it is called The Marchpast of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, but I’m not positive on that. So I assume ‘Angels One Five’s theme is probably an actual existing RAF marching tune, simply borrowed for the film?

That’s the same one as mine
mmitch.

Barnowl,

You might be interested in this one. Much the same tunes as Tunes of Glory, and you can try before you buy.
http://www.woolworths.co.uk/common/product.jhtml?pid=50053807

Cheers guys… Investigating now…

I have a CD with the about the same music as Dave’s tape. It was issued to mark the BoB 50th anniversary. It’s by the Central Band of the RAF. the number is CDM 7941942 DDD and was in the ‘Music for Pleasure series’ by EMI.
mmitch.

Barnowl,

There are a few copies for sale on GEMM I see, plus many other records of the same name oddly. Go for the one with the Southern Band of the RAF listed as the artist. Though buying a 30-year old LP may mean it’s a little scratchy. Good luck.

http://www.gemm.com/c/search.pl?currency=US&field=ARTIST+OR+TITLE&wild=tunes+of+glory

Wow that sounds fantastic! I really want to get something like that for Christmas for my Grand-dad. So ANY info on whether it made it to CD?

Yep – the September 15th battle sequences.

You probably already know this, but a couple of years ago a special edition CD was released with both the Ron Goodwin score and the Walton score on it. Dunno if it’s still available in the shops, however.

That’s right Geoff, it does have Jet Provosts on the cover. I always used to think as a kid they’d have been better choosing Spitfires or Lancasters for the cover.

Thanks Daz, I didn’t think ‘Spitfire Prelude’ was in the BofB film. That clears that up then. Was Walton’s ‘Battle in the Air’ the piece used in the big, big battle? I love that tune.

Spitfire Prelude was written by Sir William Walton for the film First of the Few – I’ve heard a beautiful piano rendition of it once before.

Walton also did the famous unused score for Battle of Britain, although his “Battle in the Air” piece was retained.

Dave – I think I have a similar CD at home. Can’t think for the life of me what it’s called, though!!

Another CD I have is an HMV-branded one – “Classic War Themes”, which includes “The Great Escape” main theme, among others.

I’ve even got the theme to Spitfire Ace on CD! 😀

That’s a bit of a blast from the past!

I used to have this album long ago, also on cassette. IIRC the cover shot was of a Jet Provost. If it is out on CD I too would be very interested.

For more RAF etc. related CDs check this out http://commerce.uk.sage.com/RAFMUSEUM/

Geoff.

Hi Dave,

Wasn’t Spitfire Prelude part of the Battle of Britain?

I used to have this album when I was a youngster. I also had the war movie themse as well. Ah Colonel Bogie, I knew him well.

Alex