A most pleasant journey.
Jeffrey Lee | Asheville area, NC USA | 12/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cd is one of a series of film music productions by Chandos. Others include the works of Vaughan Williams, Dmitri Shostakovich, Malcolm Arnold, Nino Rota etc. All are conducted by Rumon Gamba with the BBC Philharmonic. If this disc containing the music of Richard Addinsell is any indication of what to expect from the others, then, indeed, the series may constitute a very fine one. The playing is excellent---clear, dynamic, tuneful, just right (sentimentally speaking) and atmospheric in the usual motion picture soundtrack manner. The recorded sound aids significantly in sustaining the favorable overall impression. The Warsaw Concerto (from "Dangerous Moonlight") is probably the best known piece here, however melodies from a number of the other works provide a very welcome measure of enjoyment. The Suite from "Goodbye Mr. Chips" is particularly lovely and memorable. "Love on the Dole" offers a charming elegance. "The Black Rose" , which starred Tyrone Power, has an open air spirit of exoticism and adventure. The wonderful "Scrooge" music restores the vivid memories associated with Alastair Sim's outstanding and deservedly famous portrayal of the title character. There is a moving tune, which is played in the movie during a meeting between Scrooge, as a young man , and his ill fated sister. It also appears when Scrooge visits his nephew to seek forgiveness and acceptance after he has learned a lesson from the three spirits that he will never forget. Though the Suite runs for fourteen minutes, one still wishes for more...The Overture from "Tom Brown's Schooldays" is both pleasantly playful and nostalgic. (Oh how that violin sometimes brings tears to one's eyes.)..."The Admirable Crichton" , for which Addinsell refused to take credit, displays continental flair...Finally, The Flame Tango from "Out of the Clouds" and the Suite from "Blithe Spirit" also give melodic satisfaction. Clearly, Richard Addinsell stands as one of the most engaging movie score composers of a bygone generation, as this cd attests. Most satisfying and warmly recommended."
