Light Music

There is a slight shift in emphasis in this second volume of music associated with the Continent of Europe, compared with the first selection issued in 2007 on GLCD5132. Previously the intention was to create the impression of melodies reminiscent of various countries, often as perceived by musicians far distant from those foreign shores. This time all the tracks are played by orchestras resident in Europe, and there are examples of them performing some standard works from the light music repertoire, as well as pieces more closely associated with their homelands. Two of the biggest names in Light Music during the post-war years in France and Germany have the honour of launching this collection. Roger Roger opens with City Movement, which British TV viewers with long memories may recall being used as the signature tune for the BBC soap opera “Compact”. From Paris the spotlight shifts to Berlin where Werner Müller became the original conductor of the RIAS Dance Band. With added strings his orchestra gained an international reputation, thanks to charming instrumentals like Simonetta. Guild also welcomes Egon Kjerrman and Ake Jelving from Sweden, both proving that top quality light orchestral music was being regularly performed throughout Europe over 50 years ago.