Inspired by a chance encounter on the radio this morning, I was reminded just how many classic pop and rock songs have been made with the use of a full orchestra.

Paul McCartney & Wings‘ three-part medley Band On The Run is one of those, and is all the more remarkable for the speed in which the orchestral parts were written. With the original material recorded in Lagos, Nigeria, McCartney gave Tony Visconti a tight turnaround for his orchestral arrangements, thought to be as little as three days.

What we have here, though, is a vibrant mix of instruments, Visconti using a 60-piece orchestra of top-notch session players, bolstered with extra percussion. Have a listen below and listen closely for the orchestra – it only heightens your appreciation of what is already a classic song!