Tumtitititumtitititumtum Love it or loathe it, Ravel's Boléro is one of the most performed pieces in the concert repertoire. For 338 out of 340 bars the drums beat out the hypnotic rhythm which has pulled in the crowds since its first performance in 1928. Ravel himself described it as a joke, but what about the musicians who have to play it over and over again? For conductor Bramwell Tovey , it's full of great moments; Jack Brymer thinks it's like being hit behind the ear with a sock full of wet sand; and trombonist and side-drummers get a severe case of the 'pearlies'. Musicians, impresarios and the words of Ravel comment on Boléro. Producer RICHARD BANNERMAN
Stereo (Re-broadcast next Monday)