I'm not even sure where to begin with this! To me, this music is special and transcends today's musical palette. Some of these songs I have played (such as "First Suite" and "Seventeen Come Sunday" from "English Folk Song Suite") and some I wish I had played (such as "Second Suite").

Most people have probably never heard of Gustav Holst or Ralph Vaughan Williams unless they have studied music for several years. These two talented composers of the 20th century (and two good friends, incidentally) wrote for many forms of music from choral and string orchestra to ballet and military band. The pieces on this CD feature their most well known military band pieces played by the Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra. Conductor Timothy Reynish does an excellent job of leading a very close interpretation of both Holst's and Vaughan Williams' pieces with a 38 member orchestra. For being such a small ensemble, the music features some of the best dynamic (volume) changes I've heard. Other than that, all I can really say is WOW!

What isn't it good for??? It's great for driving, napping, parties, writing (big time), just about anything you can think of!!

Second Suite, third movement; this particular interpretation emphasizes the alto saxes, and contrary to past history, the melody actually sounds much better on saxes, as the articulation is more expressive and captivating.

I thought the recording was too soft in some spots. Then again, it could just be my hearing!

dance, cry, sing, drive, write

happy, inspired, confident

It's a great alternative to a lot of stuff we had to digest this past decade (2004 might me be better music wise, but I'm not too sure).

This CD inspired my current project "Chloe" . Check it out!

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Created Jan 19, 2004 at 10:58pm • Submit your own review...