Light Music

For centuries theatrical productions have often been accompanied by some kind of music, and by the time the 20th century dawned an orchestra ‘pit’ below the footlights was part of the stage furniture. When cinemas arrived on the scene, music was considered an essential ingredient to accompany the silent flickering images on screen: the music also helped to drown out the clutter of some noisy film projectors! During the period up to World War II large orchestras were expected in the top theatres, and even in cinemas the orchestras managed to survive for some years after the ‘talkies’ had arrived. Many cinemas also boasted a resident organist, occasionally alongside the orchestras. This CD reminds us of some of the top musicians and ensembles from that fascinating period.

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