Album insights
In Great Britain, there is a rich tradition of composing entertainment music that elevates the spirit through pleasing melodies adorned with unparalleled artistry, without delving into deep intellectual or emotional themes. This collection showcases classics from the time of Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II.
One of the oldest pieces in this collection is the lively "Pas de quatre" by Wilhelm Meyer Lutz (ca. 1829-1903), originally performed in the burlesque "Faust Up to Date." Archibald Joyce’s dreamy waltz "Dreaming" from 1911 and Sydney Baynes’ elegant "Destiny" from 1912 are among the many British waltzes that emerged before World War I.
The swirling "Nights of Gladness" from 1912 by Charles Ancliffe, the exotic compositions of Albert William Ketèlbey, and the distinctly British entertainment music of Eric Coates highlight the diverse contributions of British composers to the genre.
Composers like Cecil Armstrong Gibbs, Geoffrey Toye, and Anthony Collins, known for their multifaceted musical careers, also made notable contributions to the world of entertainment music. Charles Williams, Frederic Curzon, and Vivian Ellis further expanded the scope of British entertainment music through their compositions for theaters, films, and radio.
The whimsical "Puffin’ Billy" by Edward White, the serene "Elizabethan Serenade" by Ronald Binge, and the lively "Jumping Bean" by Robert Farnon are exemplary of the enduring impact of British entertainment music on a global scale, transcending time and borders with their timeless appeal.