Robert Farnon, Canadian by birth but long resident in Guernsey and since the last war part of the English light music scene, has achieved distinction as arranger and conductor. He is a master of the mood music picture. He is 85 this year (2002) and the anniversary has been marked by the reissue of his vintage recordings, first on a Naxos Historical disc and now on this from the "Evergreen" magazine", whose Spring issue carried an article on him. The disc shows Farnon’s skill as a composer with most of his most famous post-war hits on display. Jumping Bean, Westminster Waltz, Portrait of a Flirt, A Star is Born, Derby Day and Journey Into Melody are classics of British light music and all became cinema, TV or radio signature tunes. These are matched up with some others which will not be so well known: How Beautiful is Night, Little Miss Molly, Mid-Ocean and Malaga. Farnon conducts all his own music and four tracks by other "mood music/signature tune" merchants, all probably inspired by him. These are vintage recordings, over 50 years old in many cases. I would have welcomed more detail on how old. However the transfers are good and this is an enjoyable, recommendable release to add to Evergreen’s light music catalogue.

Philip Scowcroft

 

See also

ROBERT FARNON: From the Highlands, From the Emerald Isle.
Robert Farnon and his Orchestra.
Dutton Laboratories Vocalion Series CDLK4100 78m ADD (Mastered from Decca originals 1957 Mono/Stereo).

THE QUEEN'S HALL LIGHT ORCHESTRA: Various works by: Farnon, Curzon, Williams etc. The Queen's Hall Light Orchestra. Conducted by: Charles Williams, Robert Farnon, Sidney Torch. Dutton Vocalion CDEA6021 77m ADD. Bargain Price

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