Reviews
GLCD 5108 The Golden Age
of Light Music: British Cinema and Theatre Orchestras
Essex
Chronicle 14-07-2006
Guild of good
musical variety
Not for the first time,
have I focused upon one of the smaller classical Labels available to collectors
of CDs in this country.
Guild Records (GmbH) is
based in Switzerland.
Having had a long
association with their releases, I am more than happy to recommend them, both
for their variety and general interest.
For example, one of the
series that the company has released is The Golden Age of Light Music.
Admittedly, Guild is not
the only company that has explored the treasury of 78rpms, and reissued them on
CD.
There are plenty of
"nostalgia" editions, but for sheer breadth, the16 volumes is to be admired.
From an introductory
volume (Guild GLCD 5101), the series explores each decade, and then some
of the big bands and orchestras such as Mantovani (Guild GLCD 5113).
So let me introduce two
of the volumes in more detail.
British Cinema and
Theatre Orchestras
(Guild GLCD 5108)
looks back to the times when the big city cinemas had their own pit
orchestras that would play during the intermissions (previously during the "silents").
In this album, the 19
tracks feature pit bands such as the Coventry New Hippodrome, London Hippodrome
and London Palladium in some of the easy-on-the-ear numbers including a
selection from Jerome Kern's
Showboat
and the very familiar
Grasshoppers
'dance.
I can remember going to
a dancing class as a toddler and made to dance to this number - oh, the
indignity of it all.
The Golden Age of the
1930s has two
volumes linked to it.
The second-(Guild GLCD
5116) introduces some of the same orchestras and other big names of the time
(now forgotten) like Edith Lorand and her Viennese Orchestra, Harry Engleman's
Quintet and Barnabas von Geczy and his orchestra.
He probably came from
Peckham.
There is an experimental
stereo track as a bonus recorded in 1934 with Ray Noble and his New Mayfair
Orchestra.
This was the time when
popular music was fitted an to the 3 minutes average side of a 78rpm.
But Guild is not just
about nostalgia.
Among its latest
releases is a winning combination of Dvorak's celebrated Cello Goncerto, and
another shorter work by the same composer, as well as the Cello Concerto in E
minor by Victor Herbert (Guild GMCD 7235).
American Cellist, James
Kreger, makes a passionate case for this wonderful music, ably partnered by the
Philharmonia conducted by Djong Victorin Ya.
Croydon's Fairfield Hall provides a warm ambience, and however many times you
have heard the Dvorak Concerto, listen to that by Irish-born Victor Herbert and
find something really dramatic about it. Chris Green
Forster’s Sunday
Citizen, May 15.2005
By Frank Behrens, Arts
Writer
It takes a Small label
to be daring enough to chance a wonderful series like that on the Guild label,
"The Golden Age of Light Music,” featuring the dance and theatre bands of the
early decades of the last century.
Now there is "British
Cinema & Theatre Orchestral" (GLCD 5108) that dishes up 19 examples of such
music, all recorded in the 1930s.
Though some might
disagree, I personally like the sound of these old recordings, having been
brought up an early electric Gilbert & Sullivan recordings.
Included is music from
such films and shows as "Show Boat," "Conversation Piece," "The Cat and the
Fiddle," and "King of Jazz."
The players include
Commodore Grand Orchestra, Paramount Theatre Orchestra, Regal Cinema Orchestra,
and Troxy Broadcasting Orchestra - few or none of which ring any bells for
Americans in 2005, but all of which were dedicated (as are the people at Guild)
to preserving the music of the era.
Delightful listening for
relaxation or for making long car trips seem shorter.
PS: the other sets in this series are equally enjoyable and very nostalgic.
Perhaps some GIs might remember dancing to some of these orchestras. Let me
know.
Memory
Lane, Issue 147 Summer 2005
Two more impressive
The Golden Age of Light Music CDs from Guild have been released, GLCD
5108 and GLCD 5109. The first is titled British Cinema &
Theatre Orchestras and the second, Light Music from the Silver
Screen. It has probably been forgotten now that in the 1920s and 1930s many
large theatres and cinemas had their own prestigious orchestra, the latter
sometimes featuring the ubiquitous cinema organ. GLCD 5108 provides an
interesting selection of music by such orchestras as the Coventry New
Hippodrome, the Gaumont State Orchestra and the Regal Cinema Orchestra. For me,
the latter with Quentin Maclean at the organ, provide the best track with their
"King of Jazz" Selection. GLCD 5109 takes 22 recordings from the mid-1940s to
the early 1950s and features some of the lesser-known film Scores played by a.
selection of the finest light orchestras available. Tunes such as Dancing In
The Dark by the MGM Studio Orchestra may be familiar but other gems, such as
La Violetera by Philip Green and his Orchestra, provide unexpected
pleasure. Great Sound and authoritative sleeve notes complete two splendid
issues. GH
The Cinema Organ Society magazine June issue
Most of us who have an interest in the cinema organ also have an interest in
light music, after all it is light music which adapts its self so well to the
cinema organ (in the right hands). Light music was the mainstay of many an
organist's repertoire, and it is a pity that the trend no longer seems in vogue.
Maybe it is that younger players no longer have access to it either via radio or
CD, so it is with enormous delight that I received a CD from Guild Light Music
to review. The CD in question is by British Cinema and Theatre Orchestras and
transferred with great skill from original 78rpm discs by Alan Bunting. And
there are many lesser-heard items amongst the tried and trusted standards. For
those of you who cannot survive without the sound of the cinema organ, there are
three tracks which feature one. The Grasshopper's Dance and The Doll Medley both
have Al Bollington much in evidence, both as solo and with very clever counter
melodies, whilst The King of Jazz selection (arranged by Sidney Torch) has the
Regal Marble Arch Christie in the hands of Quentin Maclean dominating the
passages it is featured in. Also of interest is Nola, played by the Regal
(Marble Arch) orchestra which is a precursor to Torch's full blown version on
Parlophone 20 or so years later, and so obviously his arrangement.
Up and coming cinema
organists could do no better than to listen to the wonderful arrangements on
this (and other Guild CDs) to get an idea of how well light music could be
adapted to the organ, an art that is in serious need of a revival.
The transfers are of the
highest standard and I know there will be more of the same to come, so check out
their website www.guildmusic.com for details.
The tracks are:
The Juggler - Commodore
Grand Orchestra/Joseph Muscant, Grasshopper's Dance - Anton and the Paramount
Orchestra with Al Bollington at the organ, Selection from Showboat - Coventry
New Hippodrome Orchestra/William Pethers, Nola (see above), Doll Medley - Anton
as above, Bal Masque - Plaza Theatre Orchestra/Frank Tours, Selection from
Conversation Piece - His Majesty's Theatre Orchestra/Reginald Burston, Speakeasy
- Troxy Broadcasting Orchestra/Joseph Muscant, Ye Merry Blacksmiths - Granada
Walthamstow Orchestra/Charles Manning, Bells Across the Meadow - London
Palladium Orchestra/Richard Crean, Babylonian Nights – Gaumont State
Orchestra/Alfred Van Dam, Selection from The Vagabond King - Coventry Hippodrome
Orchestra as above, Fifinette - Prince of Wales Playhouse Orchestra/Frank
Westfield, Fairies in the Moon - Troxy as above, Selections from The Fleet's Lit
Up - Geraldo and his London Hippodrome Orchestra, In the Sudan - Kilburn as
above, Selection from King of Jazz – Regal Cinema Orchestra/Emanuel Starkey with
Quentin Maclean at the organ.
78.17 minutes of sheer delight available from: Guild GmbH, Moskau 314b, 8262
Ramsen, Switzerland priced £5.10 plus VAT & P&P or good record shops. See their
website for more:www.guildmusic.com or email:guildmusic@bluewin.ch
Article published May 15, 2005
Orchestras from the '30s
It takes a small label to be daring enough to chance a wonderful series like
that on the Guild label, "The Golden Age of Light Music," featuring the dance
and theatre bands of the early decades of the last century.
Now there is "British Cinema & Theatre Orchestras" (GLCD 5108) that dishes up 19
examples of such music, all recorded in the 1930s.
Though some might disagree, I personally like the sound of these old recordings,
having been brought up on early electric Gilbert & Sullivan recordings.
Included is music from such films and shows as "Show Boat," "Conversation
Piece," "The Cat and the Fiddle," and "King of Jazz."
The players include Commodore Grand Orchestra, Paramount Theatre Orchestra,
Regal Cinema Orchestra, and Troxy Broadcasting Orchestra few or none of which
ring any bells for Americans in 2005, but all of which were dedicated (as are
the people at Guild) to preserving the music of the era.
Delightful listening for relaxation or for making long car trips seem shorter.
PS: the other sets in this series are equally enjoyable and very nostalgic.
Perhaps some GIs might remember dancing to some of these orchestras. Let me
know. Frank Behrens
GLCD 5108 – BRITISH
CINEMA AND THEATRE ORCHESTRAS
Guild continues to hand out
delightful treats to the light music connoisseur with this spanking new issue in
their wonderful Light Music series. This time, it's the turn of British Cinema
and Theatre Orchestras with a concoction of works that recreate the mood from
the pre war and immediate post war days. The plethora of artists involved in
this release beggars belief and the comprehensive totality of the undertaking
continue to confirm Guild's dedication to the genre.
You would be somewhat surprised to
find Albert Ketelbey's much loved 'Bells across the Meadows' in this compilation
but it is beautifully done by the London Palladium Orchestra under Richard
Cream's direction. Other memorable pieces here are the works by Percy Fletcher
and the emotional selections from the Jerome Kern musicals, especially the
immortal 'Showboat'. Another intriguing feature in this compilation are the
orchestra names such as 'Troxy Broadcasting Orchestra' and 'Plaza Theatre
Orchestra’ evoking memories of a vanished age.
Guild has used fine transfers for
these recordings and they all come up with minimal hiss but outstanding clarity.
Yet again, the indefatigable David Ades surpasses himself with fascinatingly
detailed notes that really recreate the atmosphere of those bygone days. Another
winner in all departments!
Music WEB
Copyright © 2004 by
Gerald Fenech.
GLCD 5108 – BRITISH CINEMA AND THEATRE ORCHESTRAS
GLCD 5109 – LIGHT MUSIC FROM THE SILVER SCREEN
GLCD 5110 – MANTOVANI – BY SPECIAL REQUEST
What a splendid way to
start a musical New Year! Three contrasting compilations from the enterprising
Guild Light Music label and more opportunities for David Ades and Alan Bunting
to strut their stuff’. Very pleasant memories of yesterday’s entertainment scene
in Britain are evoked by BRITISH CINEMA & THEATRE
ORCHESTRAS, an intriguing compilation of 78 rpm records by London and provincial
based ‘pit bands’ in their heyday from the late 1920s through the 1930s. The
unique sound of a cinema/theatre organ is heard on several tracks in unison with
the orchestral playing and a fascinating combination results. The UK’s major
record labels had sufficient faith in these ensembles to put them on disc and
justifiably too as the level of musicianship was immensely impressive. In my own
West Midlands ‘neck of the woods’ the Coventry New Hippodrome Orchestra under
the direction of William Pethers was considered the finest outside the pit band
at the London Palladium. I am delighted to see their recordings (possibly made
in the Coventry theatre) of selections from ‘Showboat’ and ‘The Vagabond King’
in this set.
The
several different orchestras on display all perform with verve and vitality
making their music travel across the years with an undiminished freshness. Alan
Bunting has worked his customary magic in bringing this music to compact disc
with a startling clarity. A delicious slice of nostalgia!
I am happy
to bestow similar praise on LIGHT MUSIC FROM THE SILVER SCREEN, spanning the
years 1946-1953. British and American orchestras are featured in David Ades’
sparkling compilation of LP and 78 rpm recordings. While the music from the
1930s on the previous disc was before my time, these recordings date from a
period when I first began to appreciate and admire popular light music on radio
and records. Leading names of the period participating in this collection
include Charles Williams, Sidney Torch and George Melachrino. Robert Farnon
leads off with his arrangement of the traditional air EARLY ONE MORNING,
featured in the early Fifties film SPRING IN PARK LANE. I am pleased to see
listed two recordings by the marvellous MGM Studio Orchestra, DANCING IN THE
DARK from 'The
Band
Wagon’ and ADORATION from ‘Lili’. Conrad Salinger’s gorgeous arrangement of the
former title still
sends
shivers down my spine and so for that matter do the emotional strains of CALL OF
THE FARAWAY HILLS, the Victor Young theme for the great western 'Shane’. It is
played here by Ron Goodwin and his Concert Orchestra. This 78 minute disc is a
pleasure to hear and to recall images of many fine films.
I can well
remember envying my best friend’s father when, back in the early 1950s, he
started collecting records by Mantovani. In due course I got to hear some of
those discs and realised that ‘Monty’ was a brilliant conductor in charge of an
outstanding group of musicians. Only in the last few years have I fully
appreciated the depth and scope of Mantovani’s music from the early years of his
career. Adding to my education is Guild’s fine compilation of 26 recordings from
1943 to 1953 under the title MANTOVANI – BY SPECIAL REQUEST. Given the famous
string sound image of Mantovani a Ia CHARMAINE, as conceived by Ronald Binge, it
is intriguing to hear a quite different orchestral sound on BEGIN THE BEGUINE
from 1943 which opens this superb collection. A saxophone section, full brass
plus strings and rhythm would baffle me in a blindfold test but that was Monty
vintage ‘43, and very nice too. Many more gems follow in a range of musical
moods. Great entertainment!
Just to
remind those not already familiar with previous Guild releases, the discs are
most attractively packaged with delightful coloured artwork on the front cover,
authoritative liner notes and a listing of song titles, composers etc. At the
risk of repeating myself, this is the perfect way to build a light music
collection of real quality.
Brian Belton – In Tune International – January
2005
An enjoyable, nostalgic by-way, this; well transferred with
David Ades’ uncommonly helpful notes once more to the fore. ... Jonathan Woolf -
MusicWeb International
British Cinema and
Theatre Orchestras
G. GROITZCH
The Juggler
Commodore Grand Orchestra Conducted By Joseph Muscant
Ernest BUCALOSSI
Grasshoppers’ Dance
Paramount Theatre Orchestra Conducted By Arthur Anton Featuring Al Bollington,
Organ
Jerome KERN
"Show Boat" – Selection: Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man; Why Do I Love You; Ol’
Man River
Coventry New Hippodrome Orchestra Conducted By William Pethers
Felix ARNDT
Nola
Regal Cinema Orchestra Conducted By Emanuel Starkey
BARNES
Doll Medley: Dainty Doll, Lonesome Little Doll
Phil BOUTELJE
Rag Doll
Nacio Herb
BROWN
Little Dutch Doll (Ravel), Doll Dance, Wedding Of The Painted
Doll
John S.
ZAMECNIK
China Doll Parade)
Paramount Theatre Orchestra Conducted By Arthur Anton Featuring Al Bollington,
Organ
Percy FLETCHER
Bal Masque – Valse Caprice (from Two Parisian Sketches)
Plaza Theatre Orchestra Conducted By Frank Tours
Noel COWARD
"Conversation Piece" – Selection: Brighton Parade; Danser, Danser; I’ll
Follow My Secret Heart; There’s Always Something Fishy About The French; Regency
Rakes; Nevermore; Dear Little Soldiers; English Lesson; Lady Julia’s Theme;
Melanie’s Aria (Finale Act II); I’ll Follow My Secret Heart
His Majesty’s Theatre Orchestra Conducted By Reginald Burston
Lewis GENSLER
Speakeasy
Troxy Broadcasting Orchestra Conducted By Joseph Muscant
John BELTON
Ye Merry Blacksmiths
Granada Walthamstow Orchestra Conducted By Charles Manning
Jerome KERN
"The Cat And The Fiddle" – Selection: Entr’acte; She Didn’t Day "Yes"; Dance;
Try To Forget
Palace Theatre Orchestra Conducted By Hyam Greenbaum
Albert W. KETÈLBEY
Bells Across The Meadow
London Palladium Orchestra Conducted By Richard Crean
John S. ZAMECNIK
Babylonian Nights
Gaumont State Orchestra Conducted By Alfred Van Dam
Brian HOOKER/ Rudolf FRIML
"The Vagabond King" – Selection : Only A Rose; Huguette Valse; Song Of The
Vagabonds
Coventry New Hippodrome Orchestra Conducted By William Pethers
Percy FLETCHER
Fifinette – Intermezzo Gavotte (Three Light Pieces Suite)
Prince Of Wales Playhouse Orchestra Conducted By Frank Westfield
Vivian ELLIS (composed by, except ‘It’s
d’Lovely’ ‡ by Cole PORTER) "The Fleet’s
Lit Up" – Selection: They’ve A Way Of Doing It In The Navy, Guess It Must Be
The Spring, Little Miss Go-As-You-Please, How Do You Do Mr. Right?, It’s
d’Lovely ‡, Change Of Address, I’m A Dictator, Hide And Seek, The Fleet’s
Lit Up
Geraldo And His London Hippodrome Orchestra
Cecile CHAMINADE
Scarf Dance
Plaza Theatre Orchestra Conducted By Frank Tours
Gabriel SEBEK
In The Sudan
Gaumont State Orchestra Conducted By Alfred Van Dam –
Milton AGER/Jack
YELLEN
King Of Jazz" – Selection: Ragamuffin Romeo (Harry de Costa/Mabel Wayne),
It Happened In Monterey (Billy Rose/Mabel Wayne), I Like To Do Things
For You, Happy Feet, A Bench In The Park, Song Of The Dawn (all by
Regal Cinema Orchestra Conducted By Emanuel Starkey With Quentin Maclean, Organ
Recorded 1927-39
GUILD
LIGHT MUSIC GLCD 5108
[78.17]
It’s good
to see some often-passed-by fare on this release. Regal Zonophones nestle close
to Parlophones alongside the bigger fish on HMV, Columbia and Decca. And that’s
part of the depth of this latest entrant in the Guild Light Music series, to go
excavating in the cinema-lined suburbs and return with local bands and theatre
orchestras that are now as familiar to us as coelacanths.
A good
number of cuts have theatre organ and light orchestra, a popular genre
combination in the days before cost cutting swept the orchestra forever out of
the cinema. All are British bands, many fronted by prestigious band and theatre
conductors, and the recordings take us from early electric discs to almost the
outbreak of the Second World War.
Joseph
Muscant’s Commodore Grand Orchestra belies its name with some rinkety-dink
ersatz jazz – and none too disciplined at that, though Muscant was a big name in
the field. One of the most amazing sonorities is that conjured by the inspired
combo of organist Al Bonnington – you can almost see the cigarette cards as you
say the name – and conductor Arthur Anton in a piece of fluff called
Grasshoppers’ Dance. The theremin-like hallucinatory sound picture is
bizarre and irresistible – for the length of the disc anyway. The Noel Coward
selection is peppy and vibrant and Muscant turns up again, this time with the
Troxy Broadcasting Orchestra, to dust down some dancing shoes in Speakeasy
(it’s not very Cagney ‘n’ Edward G Robinson).
My
erstwhile local, the Walthamstow Granada, once the haunt of Duke Ellington et al
had its own band which recorded for Regal Zonophone and it turns in a
creditability Handelian number but one of the most enjoyable and adrenalin-laced
bands was that of the Palace Theatre conducted by Hyam "Bumps" Greenbaum, well
known to those interested in heavier British music. Bags of verve from Bumps.
There are moments culled from stage and film, with such as Babylonian Nights,
which reeks of gaudy monstrosity but also English pastoral moments as well (Ketèlbey
meets VW). Geraldo gives us some easy swing and then there are the evanescent
and very real charms of the Chaminade (Frank Tours and the Plaza Theatre). The
big finale is the King of Jazz selection – organ, percussion, orchestra and
trumpet going Hell for leather.
An
enjoyable, nostalgic by-way, this; well transferred with David Ades’ uncommonly
helpful notes once more to the fore. Jonathan Woolf
Page revised Wednesday October 04 2006