: Lanchbery treats the score like a living film, emphasizing the narrative "scenes" from the camel drivers to the princess.
: Exceptional dynamic range and instrumental separation. John Lanchbery - Ketelbey - In a Persian Market...
: The opening "camel tread" is steady and purposeful, avoiding the sluggishness found in lesser recordings. : Lanchbery treats the score like a living
: The male chorus (the beggars) is balanced perfectly—audible and atmospheric without overpowering the strings. : The male chorus (the beggars) is balanced
: The woodwinds shine here, capturing the "shimmering" heat of the marketplace with vibrant clarity. ⚖️ The Verdict
Lanchbery manages to strip away the "kitsch" often associated with Ketèlbey. He approaches the music with rather than irony, making it feel like a grand, lush tone poem. It is arguably the definitive modern recording for those who appreciate British light music at its most evocative.