Docker: Orchestral Works - 3 Contrasts / Scènes de Ballet / Pastiche Variations - W. Davies, D. Presley, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Knight

Robert Docker was one of the giants of light music – a composer and arranger whose works graced stage, screen, radio and television. Two of his best pieces were written for piano and orchestra: Legend, which can rank alongside Addinsell’s Warsaw Concerto (Naxos 8.554323); and the brilliantly witty inventions of the Pastiche Variations. Not only was Docker a distinguished orchestrator, he was also a rich melodist as his classic Scène du bal illustrates, while the composer’s impish humour can be savoured in Tabarinage. Docker’s early training as a classical violist fully equipped him to explore the British pastoral tradition in the languid and beautiful Air.

1        Legend
Piano – William Davies
7:02
2        Scène Du Bal    4:26
Three Contrasts
Oboe – David Presley (3)
(17:38)
3        All Marcia    4:54
4        Romanza    6:25
5        Rondolet    6:08
6        Tabarinage ('Buffoonery')    3:02
Scènes De Ballet    (13:24)
7        Prelude    3:21
8        Allegretto    2:46
9        Adage    2:39
10        Finale    4:30
Air And Jig    
11        Air    3:19
12        The Spirit Of Cambria    7:56
13        Fairy Dance Reel    2:53
14        Blue Ribbons    3:23
15        Pastiche Variations
Piano – William Davies
15:12