Train Tracks

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An exploration of the rhythms and themes of the railway train in music.

Simon Townley explores rhythms and themes of the train in music from Honneger's Pacific 231 to Freight Train Blues. From 2009.

They may be a shadow of their former infrastructural selves but railways still hold a curiously affectionate place in our national life. 

That's nowhere more true than in the world of music where chuffing, whistling, steaming and clackety-clacking have been the inspiration for hundreds of songs. 

Pianist and broadcaster Simon Townley has never described himself as a railway enthusiast, but he's always had an ear for the things that inspire composers and songwriters. 

Country and Western star Laura Cantrell, music professor Allan Moore and composer Sir Richard Rodney Bennett contribute their thoughts on this mass transit system which has provided such a rich seam of inspiration over the last 200 years.

Producer:  Tom Alban

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2009.

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