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Mercury Living Presence Boxed Set CD10 van55
Frederick Fennell, Eastman Wind Ensemble / British and American Band Classics

'British and American Band Classics' is a great disc for band lovers and music lovers in general. Frederick Fennell has been one of the top leaders in wind band music for decades. Here, one of his early recordings with the Eastman Wind Ensemble survives as a ground-breaking event in wind band music.
Anyone not familiar with Gordon Jacob's "William Byrd" Suite, "Crown Imperial," or any of the other greats on this disc should check out what serious band literature is available. In fact, this music has been available for many years, and has stood the test of time. I would buy the disc just for Clifton Williams' "Fanfare and Allegro," one of the most exciting works for band ever written. It will get your blood pumping!
These performances are not flawless. Intonation is a real problem that shows up especially in the William Byrd Suite, particularly in "The Earle of Oxford's March," and "The Bells." For me, the trumpets are too harsh in some of "Crown Imperial," but these factors wouldn't keep me from purchasing the disc. Remember, these recordings were made in 1958 and 1959...A lot has changed since then! However, no recording is perfect, and this one deserves a place in your collection of great music.