The Merrymakers Overture / Summer Days Suite / From Meadow to Mayfair Suite / The Three Elizabeths Suite / The Three Bears Phantasy / etc

"Boult's Coates and Boult's marches. Surprises in both and stacks of character"
(MusicWeb February 2007)

"A great issue that tidies up a few loose ends. Not a CD to rush out to buy, but certainly one that all lovers of Eric Coates' music and admirers of Sir Adrian Boult's conducting and personality will insist on having in their collection. Of course music enthusiasts of a certain age will already have the vinyl originals in their collection – but it is great to have this available in CD format."
(MusicWeb April 2007)

"This is one of those albums for when one is depressed. It cannot help but lift the spirits and bring a smile to the face. What made Boult's conducting so convincing in lighter English music is that he was affectionate but not sentimental. He always kept the pulse moving forward, emphasising structural strength. It's often the difference between enjoying and wallowing. Terrific fun.”
(Editor's Choice Gramophone May 2007)

One of the most respected independent labels, Lyrita Recorded Edition, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2009, has concluded a comprehensive license deal with Wyastone Estate Limited.

The agreement calls for the reintroduction of the entire Lyrita catalogue over the next 18 months. Wyastone will undertake the digitisation of Lyrita's original analogue masters, most of which have never been available on CD, and anticipates that the catalogue will then exceed 130 titles.

There have been few (if any!) independents that have specialised in British music to the extent and with the devotion and flair that Lyrita has. The consistent approach and high standards of its founder, Richard Itter, has produced a remarkable catalogue which includes many world premieres and composer-conducted recordings. His pioneering efforts on behalf of Arnold, Alwyn, Bax, Finzi, Foulds, Holst, Ireland, Rawsthorne, Rubbra and Wordsworth, (to name only the most familiar) set a benchmark for technical quality and musical judgement.

In order to satisfy international demand for the label, Wyastone and Lyrita have agreed to introduce simultaneously physical product, which will be widely distributed, available directly and via the Internet, and a downloading facility. CDs and booklets will be made using Wyastone's short-run manufacturing operation (which already supports several labels including Nimbus, Saydisc and Quartz); the domain name lyrita.co.uk will be reactivated and the Independent Online Distribution Alliance (IODA) will support the downloading service.