Light Music

Light music often relies upon the strings of the orchestra to carry the melody along, and some violinists must take a double-breath when they see the notes they are required to play in some arrangements. Yet often the most glorious sounds an orchestra can make are created in the string section, and the likes of David Rose (his Holiday for Strings made pizzicato so popular) have ensured that fresh ideas keep appearing as young musicians explore the full possibilities of the instruments. The title track Highly Strung was composed by a leading violinist, so maybe he knew a thing or two when he created his catchy tune. The fields of radio, television, the theatre and cinema are all areas in which light music thrives, and they are all represented in this compilation. Conductors such as Arthur Fiedler, Philip Green, Ronald Binge, Morton Gould, Robert Farnon and David Rose ensure that the strings – and all their musicians – are on top form.

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