John Lanchbery - Ketelbey - In A Persian Market... May 2026

: Fans of light classical, 20th-century British conductors, and atmospheric program music.

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. John Lanchbery - Ketelbey - In a Persian Market...

: The opening "camel tread" is steady and purposeful, avoiding the sluggishness found in lesser recordings. : Fans of light classical, 20th-century British conductors,

: The woodwinds shine here, capturing the "shimmering" heat of the marketplace with vibrant clarity. ⚖️ The Verdict It is arguably the definitive modern recording for

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

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

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