Every now and again a piece of music comes along that captures the public’s attention and imagination – a composition, movement or excerpt which, on account of the enjoyment or interest we continue to derive from it upon repeated listening, is catapulted into the classical canon where it assumes the status of a permanent fixture.
Such is the case regarding the pieces brought together on this CD album: ‘chart-topping’ tunes which are among classical music’s most loved and celebrated works. From Handel’s rousing chorus Zadok the Priest – a coronation anthem that survived its ineffective first performance to become of the composer’s most popular works – to the magical beauty of Faure’s wistful, six-minute Pavane and Khachaturian’s rhythm-driven Gayaneh excerpt ‘Sabre Dance’, the set traces over 200 years of Western musical composition to present a programme that is diverse both in style and mood and which never fails to entertain. At hand to perform these iconic works (and revealing their versatility of repertoire) is the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, with acclaimed singers such as Deborah Norman and Wynne Evans putting the finishing touches to this all-British effectuation.
Other information:
- A good, old fashioned, success-proven compilation of Classical Hits, Orchestral Favourites, or whatever you would like to call these ever popular works, which still have a chance to find a new audience, because there are still hoards of people who have never heard Verdi’s Triumphal Aida March, Handel’s Hallelujah, Khatchaturian’s Sabre Dance, Strauss’ Blue Danube, Orff’s O Fortuna, or Puccini’s Nessun Dorma.
- Excellent performances by one of the world’s best orchestras, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Total time nearly 140 minutes.
- Booklet includes detailed notes on the music.
