Fredric Cooper and his Tipica Orchestra was formed especially for radio just after the war and with many a half-hour spot allocated to live studio light music in those distant days, there was no shortage of broadcasting opportunities for the many speciality orchestras, each having their own style. The Tipica Orchestra made the first of its 143 appearances on 'Music While You Work' in 1951, playing tuneful light music with the emphasis on Latin American rhythms. Little is known about Fredric Cooper other than the fact that he was a violinist leading an orchestra at the Lyons' Corner House in London's Coventry Street back in the late thirties when he would 'table hop', playing requests for the restaurant's customers (whether they wanted it or not!).

Accordionist Gerald Crossman played with the Tipica Orchestra throughout its existence, together with other distinguished musicians such as trumpeter Bill Shakespeare and the famous classical clarinettist Jack Brymer, who apparently loved doing MWYW. Several of the 14 players in the orchestra found themselves doubling on percussion during the Latin numbers. The orchestra was also heard many times in 'Bright and Early' and 'Morning Music'. By the mid-sixties, orchestras such as Fredric Cooper's were deemed 'unfashionable' by certain BBC officials and with crude pop music gradually taking over the airwaves Fredric Cooper was displaced, along with many other orchestras and ensembles who dared to purvey cheerful and tuneful music.

According to the Radio Times, a tipica orchestra is one whose repertoire is always typical of its country of origin, but, as Fredric Cooper sometimes played contemporary showtunes as rumbas and sambas, I do not think that he was governed by that definition! Fredric Cooper is thought to have retired to the West Country, but if he is still alive, he has certainly disappeared into the mists of time.

Listen to 'Music While You Work' played by Fredric Cooper and his Tipica Orchestra
as broadcast on the BBC Light Programme at 3.31 p.m. on 8th October 1964.

MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK
played by Fredric Cooper and his Tipica Orchestra
on 8th October 1964

Listen to 'Music While You Work' played by Fredric Cooper and his Tipica Orchestra
as broadcast on the BBC Light Programme at 3.31 p.m. on 17th December 1965.

MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK
played by Fredric Cooper and his Tipica Orchestra
on 17th December 1965

Listen to 'Music While You Work' played by Fredric Cooper and his Tipica Orchestra
as broadcast on the BBC Light Programme at 3.31 p.m. on 26th September 1963.

MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK
played by Fredric Cooper and his Tipica Orchestra
on 26th September 1963

Listen to 'Music While You Work' played by Fredric Cooper and his Tipica Orchestra
as broadcast on the BBC Home Service at 10.31 a.m. on 20th July 1963.

MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK
played by Fredric Cooper and his Tipica Orchestra
on 20th July 1963

Listen to 'Music While You Work' played by Fredric Cooper and his Tipica Orchestra
as broadcast on the BBC Light Programme at 3.31 p.m. on 6th October 1961.

MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK
played by Fredric Cooper and his Tipica Orchestra
on 6th October 1961