I last saw this CD for sale on Amazon used at $200, but arkiv music has recently reissued it, blowing my plans for selling my copy out of the water, but no matter.
I have occasionally come on this board to tout several 20th century orchestral works of the "modern," somewhat prickly, variety. This is completely different. This is romantic, cinematic, orchestral music. Classical music for those who hate classical music if you will. There's nothing like a modern orchestra in full cry and this CD has it in spades. It is simply a must buy for those of you with high powered set ups. Yes, it is corny and meanders a bit, but has nice tunes, well played and recorded. Here's a quote from the liner notes which says it better than I can. "When commisioned to write the "Tall Ships Suite" and "Grand Parade of Sail", Roylance and Galvin (the composers) drew heavily upon their experience in writing music for the screen, producing music of a highly descriptive nature. But background music this is not. Rich orchestration, strident themes and an abundant wealth of melodic invention make this music exciting and extremely entertaining - qualities inherent in the best tradition of classical Suites for orchestra."
There are three works on the CD, The Tall Ships, Ocean Fantasia, and Grand Parade of Sail, all pretty much interchangeable. Roylance and Galvin later wrote another work or works recorded under the name. "The Battle of the Atlantic." Much like the Tall Ships CD, but not quite as inspired. It is readily available used at reasonable prices while "The Tall Ships" had become a sought after rarity. Here's a link to the arkiv music page for "The Tall Ships Suite." Buy it and enjoy.
http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=147023
