In one of the old French 'Lais' of Marie de France there is a tale of a knight who was so poor that he could offer nothing in exchange for the hospitality shown to him by richer folk. In the prime of life, however, he came into possession of almost unlimited wealth, by fairy means, and his first thought was to 'entertain his friends with instruments of music and all manner of mirth.' It is a happy phrase which the makers of music would do well to have in mind.
There is no doubt a place for serious and even tragic music, but mirthful music is a very precious thing, a thing of which the troubled world of today is as much in need as ever it was. It is a realm in which English composers have long been thoroughly at home, from the old days of Elizabethan Glees and Madrigals, till now, when so many of our young composers are turning to the brighter side of life for inspiration for their music. The open air, country scenes, gardens, rustic merry-makings, fairs and revels are some of the themes in which our latter-day musicians delight, and there is a wealth of modern English music which, although 'light,' is in every way worthy to stand side by side with more serious achievements.

National Orchestra of Wales
(Cerddorfa Genedlaethol Cymru)
Leader: Albert Voorsanger
Conducted by Warwick Braithwaite

Petite Suite de Ballet, 'Vive la Danse' - Finck
Interlude (Crown of India)
(Solo Violin: Albert Voorsanger) - Elgar
'Nell Gwyn' Dances - German

Dale Smith (Baritone) and Orchestra
The Vagabond - Vaughan Williams
Bright is the ring of words - Vaughan Williams

Orchestra
'Wand of Youth' Suite, No. 2
1. March. 2. The Little Bells. 3. Moths and Butterflies. 4. Fountain Dance. 5. The Tame Bear. 6. The Wild Bears. - Elgar

Dale Smith
Old Man might have been - Besley
Little Lady of the Moon - Coates
Who is Sylvia? - Quilter

Orchestra
Fantasy, 'The Three Bears' - Eric Coates

Dale Smith and Orchestra
The Roadside Fire - Vaughan Williams

Orchestra
Variations (On a Once Popular Humorous Song) - Haydn Wood