John Lanchbery brings a master’s touch to Albert Ketèlbey’s most famous "oriental phantasy." Originally composed in 1920, this piece often walks a fine line between charming exotica and dated cliché. However, Lanchbery’s interpretation elevates the material through meticulous orchestral control. 🎼 Performance Highlights

💿 Review: Ketèlbey’s "In a Persian Market"

: The opening "camel tread" is steady and purposeful, avoiding the sluggishness found in lesser recordings.

: The woodwinds shine here, capturing the "shimmering" heat of the marketplace with vibrant clarity. ⚖️ The Verdict

: The male chorus (the beggars) is balanced perfectly—audible and atmospheric without overpowering the strings.

: Lanchbery treats the score like a living film, emphasizing the narrative "scenes" from the camel drivers to the princess.

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.