Music For Sweethearts - Peter Yorke

 

Moonbeams

Music For Sweethearts

The Romantic Compositions Of Victor Herbert

Peter Yorke And His Concert Orchestra

Decca Records DL 8242

Recorded in England

1956

From the back cover: Born in 1902, son of a printer, Peter Yorke was an accomplished organist at the age of 16. While still in his teems he obtained a position as choir-master and organist at a small church in North London. A little later he branched out into a larger and more popular field; he got a job as pianist in a West London orchestra. His skill as arranger was so apparent that, within a couple of years, he was arranging music for all the important bands in London.

By 1932 Yorke was acknowledged one of the finest dance band orchestrators in England; it was inevitable that he should form his own orchestra. Beginning with a small aggregation centering about a string quartet, in 1937 Yorke formed an orchestra of 25 and wrote numbers which were appreciated both as popular tunes for dancing and orchestral pieces.

In 1940 Peter Yorke entered the R.A.F.; six months later he was transferred to the Broadcasting Section of the three services. Demobilized in 1945, he reformed his Concert Orchestra. His technique as an arranger was – and is – unique. When arranging a song he never loses the melody and seldom alters the composer's basic harmonies. The orchestration reveals Yorke' individual touch, and the result is a work which is appreciated equally by the general public and the trained musician.

From Billboard - April 7, 1956: An even dozen Victor Herbert mementos have been put on wax by Peter Yorke and a big orchestra here, which adds up to a captivating mood music set. Target is that large population segment known as sweethearts. Selections include: "Kiss Me Again," "Sweetheart," " Thine Alone," "Gypsy Love Song," "When You're Away," etc. This show music of an earlier day will doubtless find its share of buyers.

A Kiss In The Dark - From Operetta "Orange Blossoms"

I'm Falling In Love With Someone - From Operetta "Naughty Marietta"

Sweethearts - From Operetta "Sweethearts"

Thine Alone - From Operetta "Eileen"

When You're Away - From Operetta "The Only Girl"

Romany Life - From Operetta "The Fortune Teller"

Ah! Sweet Mystery Of Live - From Operetta "Naughty Marietta"

Kiss Me Again - From Operetta " Mlle. Modiste"

Italian Street Song - From Operetta "Naught Marietta"

Gypsy Love Song - From Operate "The Fortune Teller"

Moonbeams - From Operetta "The Red Mill"

March Of The Toys - From Operetta "Babes In Toyland"