I read every single one of Hardy's novels(and short stories) as research for a programme I did for the BBC many moons ago.It was time well spent! I then had to put a band togther to play many of the tunes referred to.(I did use a clarinet, incidentally, but no serpent, alas, hadn't got one immediately available and the budget wasn't huge).
On relistening to the recordings we made back in the 70's, I feeel some of the phrasing was a bit semi-posh and semi-classical, which is the same criticism I make of the Mellstock's band approach in the TV show now,(in terms of theatrical appropriateness). With regard to LtS's remarks earlier, I am absolutely not suggesting the band should have played out of tune or incompetently. Just a bit more taproom and a bit less drawing room, so the "pagan ritual" remark and the rustic peasant setting would have ben more strongly reinforced.