Customer Reviews

An Arthur Fiedler Valentine

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When you think of classical music, Boston Pops and all-around-good listening...only one name rose above the rest ~ Arthur Fiedler! Not only did he have the best arrangements...but kept up with the times...everything from The Beatles, Gershwin, Henry Mancini, Carmichael, Stevie Wonder, Kern and Raksin...the list could go on...Fiedler brought classical into another dimension, before only the adults were the fans...with his imagination and personality...looked into the hearts of young Americans...and yes, you guessed it...won them over!

This CD is living proof...take a group of popular standards...Richard Hayman (arranger) and the rest will fall into place...Fiedler and the Pops give each tune life, exciting and beautiful melodies prevail...never before had such popularity with concerts and appearances, combining classical with tunes of today existed...but with the waving of his wan a new standard was born.

This recording is 1956 to 1974 performances...the entire 18 track selections are outstanding...leaving a rich legacy for all to enjoy now and years to come...this album is a rarity with you the music-lover in mind.

Total Time: 64:53 on 18 Tracks ~ RCA Red Seal 09026-63750-2 ~ (2001)

This is a collection of the sort of thing Arthur Fiedler did better than anybody else. All you need is to hear the full, glowing sound of the Boston Pops on Love is a Many Splendored Thing and Days of Wine and Roses and you will be enraptured. The sound engineering, from over a number of years, is very good--with the possible exception of Stardust, which sounds a little cramped. The Peter Nero selections, in which Fiedler figures basically as an accompanist, are charming. My favorite cut on the album is Love is Blue, in a subtle arrangement in which Fiedler captures all the stylish moody melancholy of the original tune, with great spirit. I wish BMG would issue the original albums that all these tracks come from--so they could be heard in their proper perspective--but as collections go, this one is a winner.

This is the perfect album for those not yet extinct romantic lovers. Reserve a small place in front of your fireplace, open a 1999/2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, add some candles, and of course put this album in your stereo... If you don't get a perfect night with your partner, it is probably because you can't dance slow and perfect music. The album selection is great and it is performed perfectly by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra. I recommend it to everyone who still believe music is a magical part for a romantic night.