Those who appreciate British and American symphonic band music will love these selections by Gordon Jacob, William Walton, Gustav Holst, Robert Russell Bennett and Clifton Williams. The early Living Presence recordings by Frederick Fennell and the Eastman Wind Ensemble are all classics. The precision and musicianship of Fennell and his ensemble elevated "band music" to the plane of the symphonic orchestra at a time when Mercury's Bob Fine and Wilma Cozart were making a profound impact on audio state-of-the-art with their recording technique using 1 (mono) and 3 microphones (stereo) and high-end recording machines. This deliciously majestic music was the result of that timely union. My understanding is that Mercury's original British Band Classics LP (MG 50088) was recorded in mono only (1955?) and is not available on CD. Selections were Gustav Holst: Suite No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 28a and Suite No. 2 in F, Op. 28b; and Vaughan Williams: Toccata Marziale and Folk Song Suite. When Mercury released British Band Classics Vol. 2 (late 1958) it was available in stereo. This stereo CD re-release (1990) includes the original selections of British composers Jacob: Suite "William Byrd"; Walton: Crown Imperial March; and Holst: Hammersmith, Prelude & Scherzo PLUS selections of American composers Bennett: Symphonic Songs for Band; and Williams: Fanfare and Allegro from another Mercury LP.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Anyone who enjoys Wind Ensemble music at its best, should consider this CD. It contains some pieces written for the famous Eastman Wind Ensemble by composers who are well-known. A premier group with an amazing conductor, Frederick Fennell, who founded the Wind Ensemble in the mid-1900's.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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