The enthusiastic response from collectors and critics to Guild's first volume of MWYW music from the 1940s (GLCD 5128) virtually demanded that a second volume had to follow. "Music While You Work" was a popular BBC radio programme originally designed to provide uplifting non-stop music to factory workers during the Second World War, and Decca launched a series of 78s (eventually numbering almost 400 before the final ones were issued in January 1947) that could also be played in factories when suitable radio programmes were not being broadcast. The repertoire contained popular tunes of the day, interspersed with show and film selections plus light classics and instrumental novelties. Today these rare 78s provide a fascinating example of the way in which music was employed as an important ingredient in the war effort.

Artists

Symphony Orchestra, David Java Orchestra, Harold Collins Orchestra, Harry Davidson Orchestra, Harry Fryer Orchestra, London Coliseum Orchestra, Phil Green Theatreland Orchestra, Reginald Pursglove Orchestra, Richard Crean Orchestra, Ronnie Munro Scottish Variety Orchestra, Ronnie Munro Waltz Orchestra, Studio Orchestra, Wynford Reynolds Orchestra, Eric Coates, Reginald Burston, Harry Fryer, Harry Davidson, Richard Crean, Harold Collins, Wynford Reynolds, Reginald Pursglove, Phil Green, Ronnie Munro, David Java