A unique collection of film music
06/16/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This recording is generally very well performed and produced. The playing of the BBC Philharmonic under Rumon Gamba is very high caliber indeed. I am not a big fan of movie music, but I was glad I bought this CD.I bought this album for the highlight selection, the Elegy for Viola and Orchestra from Lady Caroline Lamb. This piece is pure heaven. The only piece I know that is even somewhat similar is Vaughan-Williams' Flos Campi. The soloist, orchestra and conductor are magnificent in Bennett's work - this is reason enough to own this CD."
Delightful
02/12/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I remember Bennett for his wonderful film scores for Nicholas and Alexandra(the fold-out LP album had a regal splendour to it) and Lady Caroline Lamb. Marcus Dodds conducted the Lamb score with the New Philharmonia Orchestra on LP (Angel S-36946) - now out of print. Gamba`s conducting is marvellous on this Chandos re-recording. But Dodds is unsurpassed for his romantic and passionate handling, with Peter Mark giving an intense interpretation of the Caroline theme. Overall, the LP hasgreater presence and tension. Well, soundtrack recordings are usually more impassioned and sensitive than re-recordings. Still, credit should go to Gambas for his consistent high quality in the Chandos film music series. Incidentally, the Lamb LP recording is listed in the Library of Congress (No. 73-750111). If you can`t get the LP try that Library!"