The Magic Strings Arranged And Conducted By Norman Candler – Flowers

The Magic Strings Arranged And Conducted By Norman Candler – Flowers

Flowers is a lush showcase for The Magic Strings, arranged and conducted by Norman Candler, bringing together romantic string arrangements, traditional melodies, popular songs and international favourites in the classic easy-listening style. The album belongs to the vintage Intersound catalogue and is identified as ISST 112; the recordings were made in Germany and form part of the polished stereo sound associated with Candler's Magic Strings.

Norman Candler was the professional name of German composer, arranger and conductor Gerhard Narholz, who worked extensively with large string ensembles and was responsible for numerous easy-listening recordings. The Magic Strings became particularly associated with beautifully arranged, softly orchestrated interpretations designed to make the most of the spacious stereo sound of the era.

The programme on Flowers moves effortlessly between familiar standards and romantic instrumental pieces. “Flowers In The Wind” sets the tone with its gentle melody and string-led arrangement, followed by the traditional hymn “Amazing Grace”, the romantic “Save Your Love For Me”, and the Spanish standard “La Paloma.” “Silver Threads Among The Gold” and “Scarborough Fair” continue the album's mixture of traditional favourites and carefully polished orchestral pop.

Side Two broadens the international flavour with “Guantanamera”, before moving through “L'Air De Nuit,” “The Other Way” and the atmospheric “Heart Of Gold.” The closing pair, “Plaisir D'Amour” and “The Last Rose Of Summer,” return to the album's romantic and traditional roots, making this an ideal example of the sophisticated European easy-listening sound associated with Norman Candler and The Magic Strings.

For collectors of easy listening, mood music, orchestral pop and vintage stereo recordings, Flowers sits comfortably alongside the work of arrangers and orchestras such as Frank Chacksfield, Mantovani, Percy Faith, Franck Pourcel and Bert Kaempfert. It is also an appealing example of the German-produced orchestral lounge music that prized melodic arrangements, rich strings and clean stereo presentation.

Side A

1. Flowers In The Wind – 2:56
2. Amazing Grace – 3:27
3. Save Your Love For Me – 3:42
4. La Paloma – 3:38
5. Silver Threads Among The Gold – 3:00
6. Scarborough Fair – 2:49

Side B

1. Guantanamera – 3:02
2. L'Air De Nuit – 2:51
3. The Other Way – 2:52
4. Heart Of Gold – 3:02
5. Plaisir D'Amour – 3:28
6. The Last Rose Of Summer – 2:56