The Last Night of the Proms (1969, 1972) (1988)

As readers may recall 1969 marks the centenary of the birth of Sir Henry Wood. To many younger people (those under 35) he is possibly remembered solely as the founder of the Promenade Concerts in 1895 rather than for his unceasing efforts on behalf of music in Britain. For many people the inclusion of Wood's ever-popular Fantasia, given in a more complete form than for some years, will be the main attraction. This item as well as the two Elgar pieces is done with panache and brio. The choral contributions are all too obviously unrehearsed but this is essentially (..) The recording is remarkably successful, capturing the occasion with realism and the stereo quality, albeit it rather directional in separation, proves highly effective. Philips' transfer of the original BBC tapes is excellent. (..) I hugely enjoyed this record and its impact upon the buying public is already evident (early in October) by its unique position in the LP charts, among the topselling 'pop' items. (Gramophone)