Film scores seem to have supplanted light classical music on orchestral pops programs. And while the two genres are closely related, they're not quite the same.
Under their Marco Polo label, Naxos released a series of British light classical music. Each volume centered around a different composer. Each one is full of music both charming and entertaining.
This is a reissue of the Trevor Duncan album, first released in 1997. Duncan was a self-taught composer. After World War II he joined the BBC as a sound engineer.
Duncan worked on light orchestra programs. Through studying the scores for those broadcasts he learned orchestration. He also learned which orchestral effects worked best on the radio.
Duncan began composing for music libraries, and soon had his first hit, "High Heels." It's included in this release. Think of a sophisticated cross between David Rose and Leroy Anderson.
Duncan wanted to entertain, and every piece on this album delivers. Some became pops concert favorites, such as the "20th Century Express." Others, like "Little Suite" and "The Girl from Corsica" became themes for popular TV programs.
The Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra directed by Andrew Penny performs up to standards. This is light music, and that's what the orchestra delivers. Their sound is light, upbeat, and fun. As intended.
Trevor Duncan: 20th Century Express
A Little Suite; Children in the Park
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra; Andrew Penny, conductor
Naxos
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