Approaching this disc will guarantee a change of mood for the better, such is the spark and vitality of the Gaudier's interpretations of this tuneful music.
The programme has been judiciously chosen and includes several raraities but no lesser quality. Thus we discover pieces such as the 'Thermen Walzer', Tivoli-Rutsch Walzer' and a host of short polkas of the like of 'Cachucha', Scherz-Polka' and the strangely titled, 'Exeter Polka', did this come from central England?!
One cannot really review this disc with a critical mind for the sheer enjoyment to be had is quite indescribable until you put the CD into your player. The Gaudier's reduced scoring is a bonus as the clarity of the scoring comes out clearer thus making everything more enjoyable. Andrew Lamb provides an entertaining description of each piece and the Graduation Ball painting on the front cover is an added bonus, but then Hyperion's covers are always stylish anyway! A winner through and through and one for the end of the year!
Copyright © 2001, Gerald Fenech