The Cornish word Wheal strictly means "a place of work" but it is usually thought of as meaning a mine, because all Cornish mine names were prefixed by the word Wheal. The composer is the MD of Breage & District Silver Band and this march is dedicated to both his band, based in the village of Breage, Cornwall, and to the great Cornish mining heritage. Breage Parish had a number of successful tin and copper ore mines, some of which started in the 16th and 17th centuries and lasted until the end of the 19th century. Cornish Brass Bands and Male Voice Choirs were formed by the miners and have had a long association with the mining communities around Cornwall.

 

Wheal Breage starts off in a jolly way to reflect the mining youth's carefree life outside of mining. At Section C, the march modulates to a minor key, reflecting the hard, industrious nature of mining; you can almost hear the Beam Engine Houses pumping the water out of the mines. At Section D, there is a dramatic time signature change from 6/8 to 4/4, followed in the Trio at Section E, by an original melody which was written to reflect and remember the men (and children) who tragically lost their lives in many mining accidents that occurred over a number of centuries. Section F is a joyful coda, reflecting the past Cornish Miners' Gala Parades which were headed by a Cornish Brass Band.