During the 1940s and 1950s, the Chappell Recorded Music Library was the world’s leading provider of quality background music. Radio and television signature tunes often had their origins in this library, and Chappell could call upon the talents of many of the finest composers working in light music. Much of it was performed by the legendary Queen’s Hall Light Orchestra, and for the first few years it was Charles Williams who waved the baton. He also wrote a wide variety of works to cover the needs of films, radio and particularly wartime newsreels. But there was also plenty of other tuneful music committed to 78s, as this collection spanning the years 1942 to 1945 surely proves.
"Clive Richardson turns roistering in Naval Splendour whilst deft Montague Phillips scores highly with his splendidly orchestrated Forest Melody. But perhaps we should leave the last word to the ostensible hero of this disc, Charles Williams. His finely dramatic Witches’ Ride is a genre piece, certainly, but it has vivacity, colour and rhythm – unpretentious and lively. And that goes for most of the items on this well filled and entertaining disc. I enjoyed it immensely."
Jonathan Woolf
