Composer: Robert Farnon
Works: Opening and Ending, Jumping Bean, Westminster Waltz, Portrait of a Flirt, A Star is Born, Manhattan Playboy, How Beautiful is Night, Derby Day, Melody Fair, Moomin, On the Seashore, Jockey on the Carousel, Journal Into Melody, Proscenium, Mid-Ocean, Malaga, Little Miss Molly, Jamboree (Clive Richardson), Seascape (Tony Lowry), Looking Around (Colin Smith), Champagne (Geoffrey Henman)
Performers: Various orchestras conducted by Robert Farnon
Recording: Evergreen C81 (MCE81)
Label: NAXOS
Robert Farnon, a quintessential figure in the realm of British light music, celebrated his 85th birthday in 2002, a milestone marked by this release of his enduring works. Farnon, a Canadian by birth yet a stalwart of the British musical landscape, is renowned for his ability to conjure vivid imagery through music. The tracks featured in “Light Music Gems” not only spotlight Farnon’s celebrated compositions but also encapsulate a specific era in mid-20th-century British culture, where music served not merely as entertainment but as a soundtrack to the burgeoning visual media of cinema and television.
The recording features a carefully curated selection of Farnon’s most iconic pieces, including the effervescent “Jumping Bean” and the wistful “Westminster Waltz.” Each work is imbued with a distinct character, demonstrating Farnon’s masterful command of orchestration and melodic invention. For instance, “Portrait of a Flirt” employs a playful interplay of strings and woodwinds that captures the essence of its title, while “A Star is Born” merges a lush romanticism with a dance-like buoyancy, showcasing Farnon’s knack for crafting memorable hooks. The inclusion of lesser-known gems such as “How Beautiful is Night” and “Little Miss Molly” further enriches the experience, revealing a composer whose breadth of creativity extends beyond his more recognized pieces.
The interpretations of these works, conducted by Farnon himself, are marked by a clarity and precision that reflect both his intimate understanding of the scores and his experience as a conductor. The orchestral textures are deftly balanced; for example, in “Derby Day,” the brass sections shine with a jubilant exuberance, while the strings weave a tapestry of lightness that evokes the spirit of a day at the races. The performers exhibit a keen sense of timing and phrasing, particularly in “Journey Into Melody,” where the swelling dynamics are handled with finesse, creating an emotional arc that draws listeners into its lyrical embrace.
Sound quality, as one might expect from a NAXOS release, is commendable, especially considering the vintage nature of many of these recordings. The engineering allows for the intricate layers of Farnon’s orchestration to emerge with clarity, ensuring that even the subtler nuances are captured effectively. The remastering does justice to the material, bringing a freshness to pieces that are over fifty years old. However, a more detailed account of the original recording dates and contexts would have added valuable depth to the listener’s understanding of the historical backdrop against which these works were crafted.
In comparison to other notable recordings of Farnon’s works, such as those featured in the Dutton Laboratories Vocalion Series, this collection stands out for its comprehensive overview of his contributions to light music. While the Dutton series may offer more extensive historical notes, “Light Music Gems” succeeds in providing an engaging listening experience that celebrates Farnon’s legacy through a selection of both familiar and obscure pieces.
This release serves as a delightful and accessible introduction to Farnon’s oeuvre, encapsulating the charm and elegance that defined British light music in the mid-20th century. The collection is not merely a nostalgic look back at Farnon’s work but a testament to the enduring appeal of light music as a genre that continues to resonate with audiences. The skillful conducting, the vibrant orchestral performances, and the engaging selection of works make this album an essential addition to any enthusiast’s collection.
