Enoch Light and his Orchestra- The Million Dollar Sound of the World’s Most Precious Violins

dscn5516Here we go with another month of Donkey-Show.  This month should be okay. Like corn kernels, there are a few gems within this month’s selections.  This was 80 cents.  I am unsure why I bought it other than being another Command Record which in general, contain interesting arrangements and quality production. This was previously owned by Cowl’s Music Center in Laredo, Texas.  I believe they sold high end audio equipment.  Since Command Records were well known by serious audiophiles, I am sure this record was used for display purposes.violin1_wide-0c18365a010c2912b2fcb2c20dccb41bad0f04aa-s900-c85

I have had several Enoch Light albums on this blog in the past.  If you are unfamiliar with his work, I would suggest you search Light on this blog.  The underlying concept of this album is the use of some of the world’s rarest and most expensive violins. Most people are aware of Antonio Stradivari and his violins.  Presented here are some of the lesser known instrument makers including Carlo Bergonzi, Alessandro Gagliano, Giuseppe Guarneri, Giovanni Battista Guadagnini, Jean Babptiste Villaumme, and Giuseppe del Gesu of the Guarneri family who is probably right behind Stradivari in regards to craftsmanship.

A Stradivarius
A Stradivarius

The record features some of the most precious violins at the time (the time being 1959).  This includes a 1724 Stradivari which was the first of its brand to come to America, the Duke of Edinburgh Violin made by Bergonzi in 1744, the Venus Violin made by Guadagnini, the Dancia Violin made by Guarneri in 1726, and the Prince of Orange Violin made by del Gesu in 1744.  Also among the arsenal is a Pietro Antonio Landolfi violin from 1765, owned and played by Light himself.

Information and pictures on the Prince of Orange Violin

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As far as the album itself, it is the same high quality that Command Records are known for.  Interesting, lush arrangements with the focus on violins.  Highlights include “Laura”, “All Or Nothing At All”, “The Breeze And I”, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”, and “In The Still Of The Night”. Also among the top songs, is “Temptation” which I have used for a sample.

del Gesu's work
del Gesu’s work

Satisfactory Record although the focus on strings does take away from the other instrument families which usually shine on Command Records.

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