The Symphonic “Pops” Orchestra conducted by Nathaniel Shilkret has brought together in this album miniature masterpieces by four great composers; Jean Sibelius (1865-1957), Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943), Frederic Chopin (1810-1849) and Edvard Grieg (1843-1907). Sibelius’ Romance vividly demonstrates the Finnish composer’s mastery with instrumental tone colors. It opens with a soaring cello melody against a rich tapestry of strings and woodwinds: then sweeps through the orchestra gaining greater stature in its development. Romantic in quality, this selection is also imbued with a dark and sombre quality through the employment of woodwind and brass choirs that punctuate the smooth melodic line. The quiet mysterious mood of Romance is contrasted by the wild and impulsive dance Caprice. A piano, used by Shilkret as a percussive instrument in this arrangement, augments the sparkle and restlessness of Sibelius’ composition. Almost without exception, Sibelius’ music expresses, regardless of the overall mood, a feeling of the mystery, legend, and landscape of the countries of Northern Europe. Even Scaramouche and The Tryst, more than the charming musical vignettes they may appear to be on the surface, are enhanced by a musical undercurrent of mystery and somberness. Compared with the massive, imposing music of Sibelius, the compositions of Norway’s Edvard Grieg are lighter in texture, more flowing in style. In Shilkret’s orchestration of the charming song With A Violet, the alternating passages of strings and woodwinds show off to great advantage the smooth vocal line of the melody. Grieg’s Piano Concerto In A Minor, completed in 1868, has become one of the most familiar in piano repertory. The gracefulness and surging lyricism displayed in its opening movement has had a great deal to do with this popularity. The refinement and originality in Grieg’s pianistic writing has often been compared to that of Chopin who is also represented in this recording with the Waltz In A Flat and A Maiden’s Wish. Chopin’s charm and gaiety is retained in Nathaniel Shilkret’s skillful orchestration of these two compositions. Mr. Shilkret’s arrangements are always faithful to the composer’s original conception. At the same time they exhibit unusual inventiveness and originality, as exemplified by his approach to the famous Prelude In C Sharp Minor by Sergei Rachmaninoff. After a striking opening with orchestral chimes, a virtuoso piano solo carries on the main theme, supported by the Symphonic “Pops” Orchestra. It is an exciting rendition from beginning to end.