There was a time not so long ago when life seemed much simpler, when Classical Music recordings and Stereo LPs were in their infancy, and the name of British composer Albert Ketèlbey (1875-1959) was frequently part of collections of orchestral favorites alongside the likes of Eric Coates, Percy Grainger, Rimsky-Korsakov, Rossini, Suppé, etc ... and it seemed that some of his orchestral works like In a Monastery Garden and In a Persian Market were considered the paragon of "light" classical music and admired for their charm, artistry and lightheartedness. Fast forward about 60 years through the ever-growing surfeit of recordings ever since, and the mention of his name has practically become non-existent.

So it's nice to see this recording originally released in 1995 at full price on the Marco Polo label make its reappearance now at budget price on the Naxos label. Australian pianist Rosemary Tuck brings out this music's genial and carefree character, without falling into the schmaltz trap. Presented here in its original piano version, In a Monastery Garden is the only piece on the CD that's been recorded before. Every other piece on this disc makes its world premiere recording appearance.

Although Albert Ketèlbey did write some advanced pieces for the concert stage, most of his music is of a more congenial nature meant for the multitude of beginner and intermediate pianists. I wouldn't be surprised if some of today's piano teachers still include some of his works within their arsenal of music to learn and master. Sit back, relax, and listen to classical music from a strictly entertaining perspective.