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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
What is Light Orchestra Music?
Light Orchestra Music is presented as an alternative between classical and popular music. A Light Orchestra may play the more recognizable themes from an opera or or classical composition, and a popular one on the same program, if they fit into the concert or album theme. Typically the presentations from a light orchestra will take the classical or opera composition and make it sound like a popular theme, perhaps with a more modern sound or rhythm, it is apt to be played less formally (check out James Last's "Classics Up to Date" series). They may also take a popular vocal selection and turn it into a very pleasing instrumental or a classical sounding orchestration.
What is NOT Light Orchestra Music?
Quality Light Orchestra Music is sometimes confused, with "background music, or "easy listening" music, it surely is not. The Quality Light Orchestra Music produced by Mantovani, Percy Faith, James Last and others, was neither Background or Easy Listening. Selections from those named sources and others, touched the listener, often so much so, that they could not ignore the beauty, the musical message that often wrestled their attention to the music over all other objects or subjects. This music included sophisticated arrangements utilizing virtuoso musicians and sold millions and millions of records around the world. Many of the fans of the various orchestras maintain very highly prized and considerably large recording collections. Background music and easy listening music such as that provided by firms like MuzacŪ 1)are not intrusive, 2) may be in the environment, and not touch the listener beyond the possible recognition that a sound is present. This is not the case with the music from Mantovani, Faith, Last and others. It will not be ignored by anyone with an ear for music. Percy Faith's Daughter in a recent interview with BBC-2 stated, she resented when someone referred to her dad's magnificent arrangements (often including counterpoint on counterpoint) as "easy listening," and justifiably so. Another Mantovani friend of mine, when someone mentions "Elevator Music," states, "Show me that elevator!"
What distinguishes Mantovani Music?
There is no doubt about it, Mantovani fans can immediately recognize Monty's touch even in an arrangement they have not previously heard. I suppose much of this is a result of a tacit understanding of the Maestro's touch, but much of the reason is clearly describable. They can even recognize a rendition of an arrangement played by Mantovani and his orchestra from one played by the Mantovani Orchestra under the direction of another maestro. There was an air of perfection under Monty's guidance that was missing on the same arrangement played without.
Regarding the Mantovani Orchestra playing an arrangement produced by someone other than Mantovani after his death, as they say in New York, Fogetaboutit! There is simply no comparison. For the scientist among you, I would be glad to share my carefully thought out opinions on this topic in a civilized debate, but this isn't the place. Email me.
Music produced under Mantovani is distinguished by absolute faithfulness to the melodic line and the composer's intentions. Even when counterpoint or parallel music phrasing was incorporated into an arrangement, there was no doubt the listener's ability to follow the main theme. Mantovani arrangements also followed another rule, all instruments were used within the range for which they were intended to be best played.
To learn more about the technique employed in Mantovani arrangements, please use this link to move to the "Dynamics" page or this to move to the comments by musicologist Don Southwell on the home page. If you have any questions, please email Wes Stillwagon, Webmaster.
