Light Music

Looking back it now seems clear that the 1950s witnessed some superb light orchestral albums from orchestras in Europe and North America. The arrival of the long playing record towards the end of the 1940s created a demand for themed collections of the kind of music that was enjoyed by millions, and the three American conductors highlighted on this CD achieved worldwide fame. Two were actually born outside the USA: Percy Faith hailed from Toronto in Canada, and David Rose grew up in London before his family moved across the Atlantic. The third, Paul Weston, was a true American, although his family had Germanic roots. But it was the emergence of the USA as a powerhouse of entertainment that fostered so many talented musicians. Radio, television, films and - of course - recordings offered the escape people needed from everyday life, whether from the great depression of the 1930s, or the world war which spread so much misery during the following decade. This collection showcases the true genius that each of these famous conductors possessed, in the process enriching the lives of millions.

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