Customer Reviews

Under the Stars: 17 Orchestral Miniatures

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Just when I was beginning to regard the music of Eric Coates as a special pleasure now sealed off in a time warp only available to those with long memories and old recordings, along comes this splendid ASV release. Not only is the recording quality as bright and fresh as the morning dew, but the conductor is a mere 25 years old. John Wilson rescues and revives this light music from a bygone era with full confidence, perfect aplomb and total understanding. He is currently preparing a complete edition of the works of Eric Coates.

Older listeners with older recordings need not worry about duplicating items already in their collections. Most of the items here receive their first CD or LP listing, and some receive their first ever recording. Nothing, however, suggests there has been a scraping of the bottom of the barrel. Listen to any track, and every cadence, modulation, harmonic progression and nuance will evoke a distinctly English nostalgia. Of all the items, I find that "I Sing To You" stays longest in my memory.

I just found this album and am totally enchanted. What wonderful music and beautifully performed. Charm, sweetness, still as good as I remember his work from decades ago. I'll be collecting a lot more of these albums. Can't recommend more highly to those who enjoy light orchestral works.

John Wilson and The BBC Concert Orchestra do a stellar job performing the 17 pieces by Mr. Coates. The selections are eclectic, each evocative of a different period of time in twentieth-century England. This is a most enjoyable CD for any one who appreciates the works of one of England's finest composers of light classical music.

John Wilson and The BBC Concert Orchestra do a stellar job performing the 17 pieces by Mr. Coates. The selections are eclectic, each evocative of a different period of time in twentieth-century England. This is a most enjoyable CD for any one who appreciates the works of one of England's finest composers of light classical music.