Eric Coates is definitely a composer who deserves the full symphonic orchestra treatment and this lavishly recorded disc is a proof that his unique music is truly immortal. Rumon Gamba has already proved his mettle in the outstanding British Film Music series so he is doubly welcome on this issue. 'Cinderella' fairly leaps about in typical Coates' fashion and Gamba imparts just the right amount of zest and life to supersede Kilbey's admittedly superior interpretation on nostalgia grounds. I also greatly enjoyed the beautiful 'Selfish Giant' and 'The Three Bears', both typical examples of the composer's love for children's music. The famous 'London Suite' also receives a raucous interpretation and the lovely 'Joyous Youth' is full of that irretrievable sense of deep nostalgia that is so typical in pre war or post war music. Chandos should now begin exploring Haydn Wood and Clifford Curzon with Rumon Gamba please!
Copyright © 2002, Gerald Fenech