Parker's rambunctious overture 'Thieves' Carnival' is a miniature masterpiece and it is one of the works that I constantly found myself replaying for maximum enjoyment. Lucas' 'Ballet De La Reine' is also extremely enjoyable and on all counts this is another major find from a rather obscure composer.
Like many fellow listeners, I will always remember Anthony Collins for his ground breaking Sibelius cycle in the early 1950's but he was also a dab composer as this rousing 'Eire Suite' demonstrates. From Ireland, its then off to Scotland with Montgomery's Scottish Aubade and Lullaby that are also gems of a neglected kind.
Finally, we have Eric Rogers' 'Palladium Symphony', a colourful work that rounds off a most enjoyable record. Sutherland's sprightly and up-to-the-minute performances are a constant delight and for those who are enthused on AS&V's excellent series of British Light Music then this volume is an obvious must-have.
Copyright © 2003, Gerald Fenech