Christopher Irvin: Midsummer Moods

Light Music trifles to brighten the winter. Classic FM Drive Featured Album, 12 January 2015.

In terms of recordings, Christopher Irvin - born in 1953 - is one of the more under-represented composers of light music. That's now remedied with this album from the ever-reliable Royal Ballet Sinfonia, conducted by a champion of the genre, Gavin Sutherland.

Irvin's music is, by definition and intention, light, undemanding and very old-fashioned. While his melodies may not have the immediacy or the longevity of such masters of Light Music as Binge or Ketelby, there are some stand-out moments to be enjoyed here. Listen out in particular for a superb violin solo by the Sinfonia's leader Robert Gibbs on Arden Airs, and an excellent clarinet part on Four Acres Rondo.