The Symphonic Eric Coates (Includes 'the Dam Busters March', 'Joyous Youth Suite' & 'The Three Bears')

"This is easily the best Eric Coates collection ever. It is a joy to hear his imaginatively coloured orchestration on a full-sized orchestra with an ample string group and played with such loving warmth and finessse. (A) wonderfully enjoyable CD." (Penguin Guide)

Eric Coates is one of the most successful 'light music' composers of the twentieth century. His stirring March from the film The Dam Busters evokes the best of the British war-time spirit and is as well known as the marches of Elgar and Walton.

Whilst there are other recordings of Coates's music, few others can boast a top symphony orchestra recorded in state-of-the-art sound.

The program juxtaposes popular and less well-known works and is the first time all three of Coates's Phantasies have been featured on one disc.

Eric Coates 'the uncrowned King of Light Music'

REVIEWS
Rumon Gamba and the BBC Philharmonic are a respected partnership:

'…expertly played by the BBC Philharmonic conducted by rising star baton-wielder Rumon Gamba.'
Classic FM Magazine on CHAN 9867 (The Film Music of Sir Richard Rodney Bennett)

'With sharply defined performances from the BBC Philharmonic, this recording deserves a very hearty endorsement.'
BBC Music Magazine on CHAN 9851 (The Film Music of Sir Malcolm Arnold, Volume 2)

'In all this music, played with fervour and flair by the well-proven Rumon Gamba-BBC Philharmonic partnership, the vigour and vitality of the composer's musical invention shines through.'
Gramophone on CHAN 9896 (The Film Music of Sir Arthur Bliss)

SELECTED PREVIOUS RELEASES FROM THE BBC PHILHARMONIC AND RUMON GAMBA
Alwyn - Film Music, Volume 2 - CHAN 9959
Richard Rodney Bennett - Film Music - CHAN 9867
Arthur Bliss - Film Music - CHAN 9896
Malcolm Arnold - Film Music, Volume 2 - CHAN 9851