Customer Reviews

British Light Music Classics 4

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Many record companies are currently reporting great success with issues and reissues of British light music dating from the first half of the twentieth century. This Hyperion issue is the fourth in such a series, and it gets a welcome and a recommendation from me.

Here are 20 items altogether, offering 78 minutes of quality light entertainment, and a hint that the bottom of the barrel has not been reached yet by any means. Of course, Eric Coates and Albert Ketèlbey are represented, and there is the highly distinguished "Petite Suite de Concert" by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. A favorite of mine, dating from the days of 78s, is the Doge's March. It also, in more recent years, proved a popular item to include in the repertoire of a school orchestra.

Well-researched liner notes and excellent 2002 recording quality contribute to the value of this top priced issue. If Ronald Corp's directing were sharper and more characterful, this would have earned five stars. Performances tend to be languorous rather than lithe, refined rather than raunchy.

The British Light Music Classics series on Hyperion are some of the most-played discs in my collection. I have Volumes 1-3 as well and have found all of them to be a welcome alternative for those days when you're not in the mood for the "heavier" classics such as Beethoven or Brahms, but are still looking for some quality music to enrich your day.

The 17 selections in this volume are, if anything, a slight improvement overall from Volume 3 -- proving that conductor Rondald Corp's enthusiasm and excellent taste are still actively engaged. The New London Orchestra play all of these pieces with their usual alertness, energy, and attention to detail.

In short, an excellent introduction to this wonderful series, and presented with Hyperion's usual thorough and well-written notes and attention to quality -- truly one of the classiest labels in the business and worth every penny of the somewhat stiff price.

Buy and enjoy!