Christmas at the Movies
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra ● Philip Ziegler
Sony 19075871612 (54:43)
14 tracks incl. Somewhere in My Memory (from ‘Home Alone’), Hedwig’s Theme (from ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’), First Aid (from ‘Gremlins’), Walking in the Air (from ‘The Snowman’), Papa Elf (from ‘Elf’), Bless Us All (from ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’), Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (from ‘Meet Me in St Louis’), and White Christmas (from ‘Holiday Inn’)
Hooray for another new light music album; although a qualified welcome from this listener as only three of the tracks are purely orchestral. It has only just now come to my attention so may be a bit late for this Christmas, but much of it is suitable for any season.
The collection spans eighty years of music for the Silver Screen and is an attractive mix of the old and relatively new, with Nick Ingman being credited for the arrangements on the majority of tracks. The first-rate CPO under the baton of Philip Ziegler is supported by Zahara Burfield, Alice Fern, Jacob Smith and Metro Voices Choir.
The penultimate track is not orchestral. It is the ‘Frozen’ hit Let It Go – with a dash of Vivaldi’s Winter – performed by the very listenable Piano Guys (actually a pianist and a cellist), described in a promotional blurb as “the multi-million streaming and YouTube sensation.”
Another thing going for this release is that it is obtainable for only £5.99 – not just online but also in shops like HMV.
© Peter Burt 2018