CD REVIEW – British Light Music - Volume 11 -
The Music of Anthony Hedges (1931-2019)
Naxos 8.574324
RTÉ Sinfonietta conducted by Anthony Hedges
(Originally appeared on Marco Polo 8.223886 © 1997)

The name of Anthony Hedges is – I feel rather unfairly – less well-known than that of many of his fellow-composers who have appeared so far on these re- releases. It would appear that Naxos are issuing them in alphabetical order, so this one follows-on from the previous CD featuring compositions by Ron Goodwin.

Hedges was born at Bicester, Oxfordshire, and wrote his first composition at the age of six; two years later, he was performing locally as a pianist ! He studied music at Keble College, Oxford, and spent five years as a lecturer at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music, his Comedy Overture winning success in a Scottish Arts Council competition. In 1962, he moved to Hull University, where he became Reader in Composition until his retirement in 1995. In 1972, he was elected Chairman of the Composers' Guild of Great Britain.

A prolific and versatile composer, he wrote – often in response to commissions – in a variety of genres, from opera to solo instrumental pieces. His works include music for children and amateurs, and a quantity of Light Music which won wide acclaim; much of his output has been featured in Films, Theatre and on Television.

The CD contains works which may be rightfully considered to be at the more 'serious' end of the Light Music spectrum :-

Four Breton Sketches; Cantelina; Overture Heigham Sound; Four Miniature Dances; Scenes from the Humber; and finally Kingston Sketches, the last two being associated with his very long residence in the City of Kingston-upon-Hull – to give it its full official title.

These are all attractive pieces which deserve to be far better-known than regrettably is the case. It is hoped that the advent of this new release may assist in ameliorating this situation.

© Tony Clayden 2022