European Light Music Classics Import Edition CD by New London Orchestra & Ronald Corp (1998) | Classical Music Collection | Perfect for Relaxation, Dinner Parties & Study Sessions

Thanks to Classic FM, I found the two items I wanted along with many others on the European Light music whichis superb and great value for money.Now I play often and am happy every day !Anthony RobinsonAmazon Verified ReviewwVery listenable concert music. Uniformly good.This disc, very well recorded in 1997, is an extension to the 4 discs published under the title of British Light Music Classics. There is also a disc of American music in the same vein. The orchestra in each case is the New London Orchestra, formed in 1988, and is conducted with obvious sympathy and knowledge by Ronald Corp who has made something of a speciality in music of this range of genre.This particular disc contains 15 items ranging from the very well known such as the Gold and Silver waltz by Lehar and the Tritsch-Tratsch polka by Strauss. Also well known will be the Entry of the Boyars, the Swedish Polka (often known as Swedish Rhapsody), and the Skaters waltz. The remaining items will also be familiar to many even if the titles are less familiar.I would suggest that this very enjoyable and well-chosen selection should deserve consideration from anyone attracted to the program or genre. The quality of the music, the performance and the recording are all of a high standard.European Light Music Classics is a compilation album with popular light classical music pieces performed by the New London Orchestra under the direction of Ronald Corp. Here one gets a real treat in that one has a chance to listen to the likes of Alfvén, Johann Strauss II and many many more. Andrew Lamb has written short yet well-written music notes. A very charming and compelling compilation that I very much enjoyed. Highly recommended indeed. 5/5.There used to be a ready market for fanciful, colourful, evocative little orchestral items such as these. You could find almost all of them available in countless versions in the 78s catalogues. Some of the items represented calling cards for Marek Weber and His Orchestra in Europe, and Arthur Fielder and the Boston Pops in the USA.Well, here they are, marketed now as "classics" in beautifully recorded, slightly English-accented performances. Gounod's own orchestration of his piano piece "Funeral March of a Marionette" is one of the stand out items here, seeming all the more unusual for not being much heard these days. Joseph Hellmesberger's "Ball Scene", a test for the string section of the orchestra, receives virtuoso treatment here. The polka from "Schwanda the Bagpipe Player" stands out too, making one wish there had been time to include the fugue with which it is usually coupled.Nevertheless, the results of considerable research, long selection processes, program building, two days of recording, and the preparation of excellent notes by Andrew Lamb make this another Hyperion release which deserves to be a winner. My only quibble is regarding the statement in the notes that the Alfven piece included here had wide currency in the 1950s under the name "Swedish Polka". It was the first few minutes of Alfven's "Midsummer Vigil", in a version by Percy Faith and His Orchestra, that topped the charts in the early 1950s, given the title "Swedish Rhapsody".To Hyperion's credit, "European Light Music Classics" is more than Johann Strauss's greatest hits -- they've done some real researching to come up with a wide variety of composers and yet another home run in their popular "Light Music Classics" series. A great idea just keeps getting better!As usual for the series, you get a tightly-packed CD, nearly spilling over with elegant and fun tunes -- some of which you'll undoubtedly recognize. Also as usual, premium packaging and notes. This is great for the days when the "heavy classics" need a break at your house and you're still hungry for some good but undemanding music. Perfect for dinner parties, wine and cheese get-togethers, or just some casual Sunday afternoon listening.Try the others in the same series, all of the same high quality: British Light Music Classics 1, 2, and 3, and American Light Music Classics.I am very familiar with this music and welcomed its addition to the British set from the same series.I am sorry to say that the performances are rather lacklustre. The conductor seems to have taken a Valium before recording the pieces. The tempo is just too slow for me and this contributes to a lack of zest in playing. These used to be staples of the Boston Pops, and I'll now seek out some of their recordings to compare.Bought this CD after hearing the Glow Worm Idyll on Classic FM and thought I must have this piece of music. What a wonderful surprise to discover that I love all the tracks (perhaps apart from Ball Scene). This CD is a must for all lovers of light classical music. Already bought British Light Music so must now try the 3rd in the series by Ronald Corp, American Light Music. The music is so uplifting and beautifully played by the New London Orchestra. Thank goodness for Hyperion!Good.It was just what I wanted. I've always loved Jessel's Parade of the Tin Soldiers - amusing juxtaposition with Pierne's March of the little Lead Soldiers. Also very taken with Lincke's Glow-worm gavotteMost enjoyable cd, good condition