Eric Coates & VA - The Best Of 'The Definitive Eric Coates' (2018)

Respectfully known as the "king of light music,"Eric Coates was one of England's greatest composers. A prolific writer, Coates wrote pieces for orchestras, chamber groups, and solo pianists. In addition to penning more than 160 ballads, he composed numerous instrumental settings for the poetry of William Shakespeare and other British poets. His many radio themes included the theme of the popular BBC radio show Calling All Workers, which aired four times a day, five days a week. Coates made his orchestral debut in 1911 when his composition "Miniature Suite" was performed by the Queen's Hall Light Orchestra under the direction of Sir Henry Wood. Coates played viola with the orchestra during the premiere. Although he wrote his most enduring tune, "Stonecracker John," in 1909, Coates enjoyed a revival of his popularity in the late '20s when his songs "Birdsongs at Eventide" and "Homeward to You" became major hits. He remained active until shortly before his death in 1957, composing "The Dam Busters March" and "High Flight" for popular early-'50s films.

This very full compilation of Eric Coates’ most popular works is drawn from a seven-album set ‘The Definitive Eric Coates,’ containing all of Eric Coates’ commercially released recordings. In addition to a full discography the liner notes have a 1000 word article on Coates relationship with the Gramophone by Michael Payne. Eric Coates was an excellent conductor of his own music. Not only did he conduct many performances up and down the land during his lifetime and made many broadcasts with the BBC’s orchestras, he also made many fine commercial records. It is difficult to think of another composer of Coates’ generation, especially a light music composer, who left such a sizable legacy of recordings of their own compositions. Recalling Coates in the 1980s, Stanford Robinson spoke of Coates’ qualities as a conductor; these qualities can also sum up his recorded legacy: “He was always neat and immaculate and… did not bully the orchestra; but was always in control.”

Tracklist:
01. The Merrymakers: Overture
02. Summer Days Suite: At The Dance
03. The Jester At The Wedding: No. 1 The Princess Arrives-March
04. The Jester At The Wedding: No. 4 The Dance Of The Orange Blossoms-Valse
05. From Meadow To Mayfair Suite: I. In the Country-Rustic Dance
06. From Meadow To Mayfair Suite: II. A Song By The Way-Romance
07. From Meadow To Mayfair Suite: III. Evening In Town-Valse
08. Cinderella: Phantasy
09. For Your Delight: Serenade
10. Last Love: Romance
11. Saxo-Rhapsody
12. Calling All Workers: March
13. Dancing Nights: Concert Valse
14. The Three Bears: A Phantasy
15. London Calling: March
16. London Bridge: March
17. A Song Of Loyalty
18. By The Sleepy Lagoon: Vlase Serenade
19. Bird Songs At Eventide
20. Television March
21. Wood Nymphs: Valsette
22. London Suite: Knightsbridge March
23. London Again Suite
24. The Three Men Suite: I. The Man From The Country
25. The Three Men Suite: II. The Man About Town
26. The Three Men Suite: III. The Man From The Sea
27. The Three Elizabeths Suite: Springtime In Angus
28. High Flight: March
29. Impression Of A Princess: Intermezzo
30. The Four Centuries Suite: I. Prelude & Hornpipe
31. The Four Centuries Suite: II. Pavane & Tambourin
32. The Four Centuries Suite: III. Valse
33. The Four Centuries Suite: IV. Rhythm
34. The Dam Busters: March