Golden Age of Light Music: Great British Composers Vol.2

The warm reception given to Guild’s first collection focussing on notable British Light Music composers (GLCD5195) has prompted this further selection. Most of the names will be familiar to those whose interests embrace this area of the music scene, although it is hoped that there may be pleasant surprises in between some of the more familiar works.

At one time concert promoters and publishers alike encouraged writers to create suites with several movements, and this CD features three by foremost light music composers – Haydn Wood, Albert Ketèlbey and Eric Coates. In the case of Coates, the choice is the 1953 landmark recording of his “London Again Suite” with the composer conducting. The other two suites – “Harvest Time” by Haydn Wood, and Ketèlbey’s “In A Fairy Realm” - are believed to be premier releases on commercial discs.

Other familiar composers, such as Charles Williams, Stanford Robinson, John Ansell, Frederic Curzon and Sir Edward Elgar – to name just some – confirm that this release will become a treasured resource of superior light music.

Contents:
1. Commonwealth March: Walter Stott - Queen's Hall Light Orchestra conducted by Robert Farnon
2. London Fair: Charles Williams - Danish State Radio Orchestra conducted by Robert Farnon (‘Melodi Light Orchestra conducted by Ole Jensen' On Disc Label)
3. 'Harvest Time Suite' - Harvesters' Dance: Haydn Wood - Regent Concert Orchestra conducted by William Hodgson
4. 'Harvest Time Suite' - Interlude: Haydn Wood - Regent Concert Orchestra conducted by William Hodgson
5. 'Harvest Time Suite' - Harvest Home: Haydn Wood - Regent Concert Orchestra conducted by William Hodgson
6. Muse In Mayfair: Vivian Ellis, arr. Sidney Torch - Queen's Hall Light Orchestra conducted by Sidney Torch
7. Nocturne: Stanford Robinson - New Concert Orchestra conducted by Stanford Robinson
8. First Waltz: Reginald King - West End Celebrity Orchestra
9. Windjammer Overture: John Ansell - New Concert Orchestra conducted by Jay Wilbur
10. Accent On Waltz: Sidney Torch - Queen's Hall Light Orchestra conducted by Sidney Torch
11. 'London Again Suite' - Oxford Street (March): Eric Coates - Philharmonic Promenade Orchestra conducted by Eric Coates
12. 'London Again Suite' - Langham Place (Elegy): Eric Coates - Philharmonic Promenade Orchestra conducted by Eric Coates
13. 'London Again Suite' - Mayfair (Valse): Eric Coates - Philharmonic Promenade Orchestra conducted by Eric Coates
14. A Young Man's Fancy: Ernest Tomlinson - Bosworth Orchestra
15. Punchinello - Frederic Curzon: Royal Air Force Central Band conducted by Squardron Leader A.E. Sims
16. Dance Of The Snowflakes: Ronald Binge - Lansdowne Light Orchestra (Probably The Stuttgart Radio Orchestra)
17. 'In A Fairy Realm Suite' - Moonlit Glade: Albert William Ketèlbey - The Louis Voss Grand Orchestra
18. 'In A Fairy Realm Suite' - Queen Fairy Dances: Albert William Ketèlbey - The Louis Voss Grand Orchestra
19. 'In A Fairy Realm Suite' - Gnomes' March: Albert William Ketèlbey - The Louis Voss Grand Orchestra
20. Persian Dance: Sir Granville Bantock - London Promenade Orchestra conducted by Walter Collins
21. Chanson de Matin: Sir Edward Elgar - The Melachrino Strings conducted by George Melachrino
22. With Noble Purpose - Grand March: Trevor Duncan, real name Leonard Charles Trebilco - The Symphonia Orchestra conducted by Curt Andersen (Probably The Danish State Radio Orchestra)