Search - George Melachrino :: Begin the Beguine

Soothing melodies

Don Hansen | Brookfield, Illinois | 02/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great music. Recalls for me the restful and soothing music played in retaurants in th 1940's and '50s in Chicago."

Sentimental

David Saemann | 05/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The recordings on this CD were all made by the George Melachrino Orchestra between 1946 and 1948. For 78 rpm recordings, the sound is unusually lush and clear, albeit with a limited dynamic range, and with no surface noise. Technically it is a very pleasant listening experience. The repertoire consists of a mixture of popular standards and light classics, all arranged for a strings rich orchestra. The overall mood is soothing. Nevertheless, the music never drags or becomes self-conscious. Tempos are always vigorous and well sustained. Some of the highlights are Lady of Spain, Begin the Beguine, and Saint-Saens's The Swan. Melachrino's arrangement of Malaguena sounds highly similar to Percy Faith's later version. All in all, Melachrino's version of Easy Listening music is perhaps not the most fulfilling, but it is always well played, charming, and easy on the ears. A highly worthwhile CD."