Search - Robert Farnon & His Orchestra :: A Portrait of Farnon

Light Music Giant

Wayne Choma | Winnipeg, Canada | 01/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"He was the Canadian equivalent of a Leroy Anderson. His music is always a welcome delight. Originally a trumpet player, he became famous for his lush string sound which soars into your heart. But he had a comical side as well - with pieces like "Huckle Buckle", Jumping Bean", and "The Peanut Polka" can attest. He scored many fine movies, wrote two symphonies, countless concert pieces, and was sought after by some of the greatest performers for his arrangements(Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Vera Lynn and Johnny Mathis to name but a few).His accolades seem endless and his recent death has put a void in the light music genre that will never be filled. This compact disc has many fine selections of both his own compositions and some choice arrangements - all under his baton. These are early pre - stereo pieces but the sound is excellent and his orchestra had some of the finest players of the time. If you don't know the music - you will be happy to become acquainted with it - you owe it to yourself to give a listen as I am certain that you will like what you hear."