Cockney Suite                                                                   Back to list of works index

 

This suite was published in 1924.  It has received several “complete” recordings, but latterly individual movements have been recorded separately.

 

Cockney Suite – complete

 

Medium

Artists

Label

Matrix

Format

Country

Date

Gramophone Review

Locations

Military band

2LO Military Band, Godfrey

Velvet Face (Edison) 1170/2  

9876, 9877, 9778, 9779, 9780-1

10” 78, 5 sides

UK

rec.Jan 1926

Aug 26 p.128

TM, (TM CD) (both only 1171)

Orchestra

Homochord (Premier) Orchestra

Homochord D 991/3

HH 8797-2, 8698-1 (sides 3-6 not known)

10” 78, 6 sides

UK

rec.July 1926

Sept 26 p.171, Aug 28 p.102

TM, (TM CD)  (both only D 991)

Orchestra

Albert W. Ketelbey’s Concert Orchestra, Ketèlbey

Columbia 9860/2

WAX 4516, 4517, 4518, 4522, 4523

12” 78, 5 sides

UK

[Dec 29] rec.Jan 29

Dec 29 p.321

BL, (TM CAS)

Re-issue

- Naxos 8.110869

CD

UK

2003

NX, PD, TM

Re-issue

- This England C104

UK

LMS Autumn 06

TM

Orchestra

Palm Court Theatre Orchestra. Godwin

Chandos FBCD 2002

CD

UK

1998

BL, PD, TM

 

Re-issue

- Chandos CHAN 6676

 

CD

UK

2004

 

NX

Orchestra

BBC Concert Orchestra, Yates

Dutton Epoch

 

not yet issued

UK

rec.2021

 

 

 

Dempsey says the Homochord Orchestra was conducted by Bert Firman. D 993 contained Elegy on two sides.

 

Ketèlbey’s own recording has a single cut, omitting the reprise of the opening section in Elegy. 

Godwin’s recording uses a small orchestra with reduced wind, strings one to a part, and also a piano in some movements.      

                                                                  

 

- 1. A State Procession (Buckingham Palace)

 

Composer’s synopsis

One is to suppose that the King and Queen are going to open Parliament and Pall Mall is crowded with onlookers. Pomp and pageantry, brilliant uniforms and military bands all combine to make a brilliant spectacle, and this march is what might be played by the regimental bands as they pass along the route.

 

One of the passing regimental bands is playing Ketèlbey’s march Ypres 1914.

 

Medium

Artists

Label

Format

Country

Date

Gramophone Review

Locations

Military band

Band of HM Coldstream Guards, Pope

RCA SF 5037

LP

UK

1958?

Aug 59 p.105

 

Re-issue

- RCA RD 27126

LP

UK

[?1958]

Aug 59 p.105

BL

 

Re-issue

- Victor LPM/LSP 1674

LP

US

1958

 

 

Re-issue

- Eclipse ECS 2101

LP

UK

1972

 

Re-issue

- London SW 99600

LP

US

1972

 

 

 

Re-issue

- Axis AXIS 6071

LP

Australia

 

 

 

Military band

Regimental Band of Coldstream Guards, Marshall

Bandleader BNA 5119

CD

UK

[1997]

Feb 97 p.126

BL, PD, TM

 

Re-issue

- Bandleader BND 65119

CAS

UK

[1997]

Feb 97 p.126

 

Concert band

University of Illinois Concert Band, Hindsley

Columbia XCSV-141990

LP

US

? [1960s]

 

WC

Piano

Steinway Model K65/88 Note Pianola, Adam Ramet

Private recording

Web

UK

2021

 

 

 

Ketèlbey’s own recording adds a tenor saxophone, contributing towards the colour of a military band.  He, Godwin and the Homochord Orchestra all march at 128 steps to the minute, following the trilingual instruction “Tempo di marche militaire (briskly)”.  Marshall’s conducting score lacks the word “briskly”, and consequently he follows his training as a professional marcher and solemnly processes at 110 steps a minute. 

 

Hear Godwin at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ark3QHFEkA4

Hear Pops at https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=O3-UjlkdSI0&list=RDAMVMO3-UjlkdSI0

Hear Ramet at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0jGEJckqLA&list=PL1TBeOI62ft9AAgLrbVth2g2mWPUF1IqD&index=2

 

 

-2.  The Cockney Lover (Lambeth Walk)

 

Composer’s synopsis

The Cockney whistle, “’Arf a pint of mild and bitter”, has here been employed as the leading theme in a little Cockney serenade.  The suggestion (in the accompaniment of the 2nd part) of “Little Brown Jug” indicates that the lovers have retired to a public-house, and the chimes of Big Ben and other buildings are intended to indicate that it is night and very near closing-time.  The sweethearts leave the public-house and the young fellow once more sings his melody softly to the girl.

 

Medium

Artists

Label

Format

Country

Date

Gramophone Review

Locations

Military band

Regimental Band of Coldstream Guards, Marshall

Bandleader BNA 5119

CD

UK

[Feb 97]

Feb 97 p.126

BL, PD, TM

 

Re-issue

- Bandleader BND 65119

CAS

UK

[Feb 97]

Feb 97 p.126

 

 

The metronome marking suggests this movement should only last about 1’ 45”.   Ketèlbey was perhaps embarrassed at taking a whole 12 inch side for such a brief time, that he protracts it to 2’ 55”.  The Homochord Orchestra, Marshall and Godwin take 2’ 30”, 2’ 26” and 2’ 18” respectively.  Godwin uses a piano throughout, hear him at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c89hporVZw4

 

 

                                                                                                                                               

- 3. At the Palais de Danse (Anywhere)

 

Composer’s synopsis

A feature of the Jazz bands in any “Palais de Danse” is the way in which the key of the music is suddenly changed.  This waltz has been treated in this manner (in the 2nd part), and other “Jazz” effects are introduced.  The changes in orchestration music must be emphatically marked.

 

Medium

Artists

Label

Matrix

Format

Country

Date

Gramophone Review

Locations

Orchestra

Albert W. Ketelbey’s Concert Orchestra, Ketèlbey

- Pearl GEMM CD 9968

from Columbia 9861

CD

UK

1992, rec.1929

BL, PD, TM

 

     Re-issue 

- Revivendo RVPC 004

 

CD

Brazil

 

 

 

Orchestra

Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Leaper

Marco Polo 8.223442

CD

UK

1992

Apr 94 p.48

BL, NX, PD, TM

 

     Re-issue Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Leaper

- Naxos 8.555175  

 

CD

 

2023

 

 

Orchestra

Romando and his Gypsy Orchestra

private recording

 

web

UK

1995

 

 

 

Once again Ketèlbey adds a tenor saxophone, this time to add the colour of a dance band, while Godwin’s piano is ever-present.  The 2LO Band plays very crisply and rhythmically.

Romando was recorded in St James Park, London on 1st July 1995, and can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvaZ9JvnCe4

Hear Godwin at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH91O4dLnmI

Hear Leaper at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPq4n6eW4ow

 

 

- 4.  Elegy (Thoughts on passing the Cenotaph)

This movement has only been recorded as part of the complete suite.  However, it was reworked under the title Remembrance, which has been recorded in its own right.          

                                   

Composer’s synopsis

This represents the serious thoughts which would occur to anyone on passing the Cenotaph in Whitehall.  The 2nd part, in the major key, suggests the feelings of affection and tender remembrance which would prevail in the hears of sweethearts and wives, yet with a feeling of gratification that their loved ones had died in a noble cause.

 

Ketèlbey’s original metronome marking is crotchet = about 80.  In this recording he averages 58, the speed he indicates in the revised version, Remembrance.  To accomodate the movement on a single 12-inch side, he has to cut the reprise of the opening section.  He also dispenses with the timpani part after the initial section. 

 

The 2LO Band makes a massive cut of 30 out of 77 bars.  The average metronome is 57, but much rubato is used.

 

Godwin adopts the same slow tempo as Ketèlbey.  He uses a piano not only to play the harp part, but to fill out the chords throughout, adding an obtrusive percussive element to the otherwise smooth texture. Hear him at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hIljYhpO0k

 

 

- 5. Bank Holiday ('Appy 'Ampstead)        

 

Composer’s synopsis

Hampstead Heath on a Bank Holiday is here represented by a lively dance tune of a country-like character, then the mouth-organs are heard as a preliminary introduction to a one-step tune to which ‘Arry and ‘Arriet dance.  While it is proceeding, a blatant cornet in the vicinity plays snatches of various other tunes, roysterers bawl a few bars of “Tell me the old, old story”, another band plays a bit of “Semiramide” Overture, shouts of the showman (with a rattle) and a noisy steam-organ playing the old waltz “Over the Waves” are all heard while the dance is still in progress.  A return to the opening dance-tune brings this Suite to a lively conclusion.

           

A music-hall song by John Crook with the title 'Appy 'Ampstead had been published in 1893. 

 

Medium

Artists

Label

Matrix

Format

Country

Date

Gramophone Review

Locations

Orchestra

Albert W. Ketelbey’s Concert Orchestra, Ketèlbey

     Re-issue

- Pearl GEMM CD 9968

from Columbia 9862

CD

UK

1992, rec.1929

BL, PD, TM

 

     Re-issue

- Living Era CD AJS 2004

 

CD

UK

2005

 

 

 

     Re-issue 

- Revivendo RVPC 004

 

CD

Brazil

 

 

 

Orchestra

Albert W. Ketelbey & his Concert Orchestra, Ketèlbey

Decca F 7616

DR 4750 or 4761-1?

10” 78

UK

[Nov 40]             

Dec 40 p.154-5

WC (TM CD)

Orchestra

Louis Voss and his Orchestra

Bosworth BC 1231     

CP 1684

10” 78

UK

[1948]

     Re-issue

- Bosworth BOCD 162

CD

UK

1989

BL, TM

     Re-issue

- Bosworth BPM 219

CD

UK

2001

TM

Orchestra

New Symphony Orchestra of London, Robinson

Decca LK 4080

LP

UK

[June 54]

July 54 p.73, Mar 55 p.464-465   

BL (TM CD)

 

     Re-issue

- Decca 6835 654

 

LP

Netherlands

1960

 

 

     Re-issue

- Ace of Clubs ACL 1044

LP

UK

[1961]

BL

     Re-issue

- Eclipse ECS 2016 (+ECM)

LP

UK

1969

Feb 70 p.1332

BL, PD, TM

 

     Re-issue

- Decca DDX 190039

 

LP

Netherlands

1969

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Decca NUX 390044

 

LP

Netherlands

1969

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Decca 220014

 

LP

France

1969

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- London ECL 105

 

LP

Brazil

1977

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- London LL 985

 

LP

US

?

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- London LLC 5047

 

LP

Brazil

?

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Richmond B 20083

 

LP

US

?

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Guild GLCD 5195

 

CD

UK

[July 12]

 

 

Orchestra

Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Aliberti

Westminster WP 6082

 

LP

 

[1958] rec.June 57

 

(TM CD)

 

     Re-issue

- Westminster WST 15005

 

LP

 

 

 

WC

 

     Re-issue

- Sonotape SWB 7019

 

2-track tape

 

1957

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Westminster SWB 7024

 

2-track tape

US

1958

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Westminster WGWS 18071

 

LP

Australia

1958

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Westminster WSS 1

 

LP

US

1958

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Westminster WTP 132

 

4-track tape

US

1960

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- World Record Club TP 359

 

LP

UK

1963

 

BL, PD

 

     Re-issue

- Clave 18-1246 S

 

LP

Spain

1971

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Westminster WGS  8139

 

LP

US

1981

 

TM

 

 

Dial Discos/Doblon 102048

 

CAS

Spain

[1986]

 

WC

 

     Re-issue

- Voix de son maître 2CO 59392502

 

LP

France

 

 

WC

 

     Re-issue

- World Record Club S 4743

 

LP

Australia

 

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Voix de son maître C 24592502

 

CAS

France

 

 

WC

Military band

Band of HM Coldstream Guards, Pope

RCA SF 5037

 

LP

UK

[?1958]

Aug 59 p.105

 

     Re-issue

- RCA RD 27126

 

LP

UK

[?1958]

Aug 59 p.105

BL

 

     Re-issue

- Victor LP/LPS 1674

 

LP

US

1958

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- RCA BPS 138

 

2-track tape

US

1958

 

 

     Re-issue

- Eclipse ECS 2101     

 

LP

UK

1972

July 72 p.253

 

     Re-issue

- London SW 99600

 

LP

US

1972

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Axis AXIS 6071

 

LP

Australia

 

 

 

Orchestra

New Symphony Orchestra of London, Sharples

Decca SKL 4077

 

LP

UK

[1959]

Feb 60 p.434

BL, PD, (TM CAS)

 

     Re-issue

- London LL 3141

 

LP

US

[1959]

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- London PS 186

 

LP

US

[1959]

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- London CM. 9041

 

LP

Canada

[1959]

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Axis 6326

 

LP

Australia

[1959]

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Decca LXT 4329

 

LP

Spain

[1960]

 

WC

 

     Re-issue

- Decca SKC 4077

 

CAS

Spain

[1969]

 

WC

 

     Re-issue

- Decca SPA 187

 

LP

UK

1971

July 72 p.253

BL, PD

 

     Re-issue

- London SPA 4036

 

LP

Canada

1971

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Decca SPL 3046

 

LP

South Africa

1977

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Decca 65 94 156,

 

LP

Spain

1981

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Decca LPD 253 Y

 

LP

Belgium

?

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Westminster WGS 8139

 

LP

Brazil

?

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Decca 841203

 

CAS

Spain

1982

 

WC

     Re-issue

- Decca 452987-2 DWO

 

CD

UK

1997

Nov 97 p.48, Oct 12 p.109

BL, PD, TM

     Re-issue

- Evergreen Melodies C 62

 

CD

UK

[1999]

PD, TM

 

     Re-issue

- Decca 473 720-2

 

CD

UK

2003

June 03 p.50

PD, (TM CD)

     Re-issue

- Vocalion CDLF 8143

 

CD

UK

[2011]

LMS Aut 11 p42

PD

Orchestra

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Rogers

Decca PFS 4170

 

LP

UK

1969

Nov 69 p.833

BL, TM

 

     Re-issue

- London SPC 21036

 

LP

US

1969

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Decca SLZ.8386,

 

LP

NZ

1969

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- London LLN-7164,

 

LP

Brazil

1969

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Orlador 54452

 

LP

Spain

1975

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Decca DGS 16

 

LP

US

1980

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Decca 6594064

 

LP

Spain

1981

 

WC

     Re-issue

- Decca 444 786-2LPF

CD

UK

1996

Aug 96 p.60

BL, PD, TM

 

     Re-issue

- MG Direct Marketing D 115620

 

CD

US

1996

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Decca 466 8562

 

CD

UK

1999

 

 

     Re-issue

- Decca 4520572

LP

UK

BL

Military Band

Band of the Life Guards, Richards

DJM Records DJM 22062

 

LP

UK

1977

July 77 p.226

 

Orchestra

London Promenade Orchestra, Faris     

Philips 6514 152       

LP

UK

1982

Apr 82 p.1423

BL, TM

 

     Re-issue

- Philips 7337152

 

CAS

 

1982

Apr 82 p.1423

WC

     Re-issue

- Philips 400 0112

CD

UK

1983

Apr 83 p.1152

BL, PD, TM

 

     Re-issue

- Musical Heritage Society MHS 11165F

 

CD

Germany

1986

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Philips MCCE 7084

 

CAS

Mexico

1991

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Philips 4380752

 

CD

France

1992

 

WC

 

     Re-issue

- Philips 4380754

 

CAS

 

1992

 

WC

     Re-issue

- Philips 4626572

CD

UK

1999

BL

     Re-issue

- Decca/Universal 473720-2

CD

UK

2003

June 03 p.50

BL, WC, PD

 

     Re-issue cond. Myers “Jour férié

- Mon Patrimoine Musical

 

mp3

France

2019

 

 

Orchestra

Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Leaper

Marco Polo 8.223442

CD

UK

1992

Apr 94 p.48

BL, NX, PD, TM

 

     Re-issue Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Leaper

- Naxos 8.555175  

 

CD

 

2023

 

 

Hip-hop

The Goats “Drive-by bumper cars”.

Ruffhouse 5302

 

LP

US

1992

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Ruffhouse CSK 5023

 

CD

US

1992

 

 

 

     Re-issue

- Ruffhouse COL 472 6802

 

CD

Europe

1992

 

BL

 

     Re-issue

- Columbia 188297

 

LP

Brazil

1993

 

 

Organ (Wurlitzer)

Walt Strony (Berkely Community Theatre)

North California Theatre Organ Soc.

 

CD

US

1993

 

WC

Organ (Möller)

Piet van Egmond (BBC, London)

Festivo FECD 140

 

CD

UK

1995, rec.1960?

 

 

Orchestra

Romando and His Gypsy Orchestra

private recording

 

web

 

1995

 

 

Military band

Regimental Band of Coldstream Guards   Marshall

Bandleader BNA 5119

CD

UK

[Feb 97]

Feb 97 p.126

BL, PD, TM

 

     Re-issue

- Bandleader BND 65119

 

CAS

UK

[Feb 97]

Feb 97 p.126

 

Orchestra

Pelly Concert Orchestra, Barnard

private recording

CD

UK

[2005]

TM

Piano

Guy Rowland

private recording

DVD

UK

rec. 26.11.2009

PD, TM

Orchestra

Scarborough Spa Orchestra, Laidlaw

?

 

CD

UK

2017? 

LMS Spring 18

 

 

Decca 473720-2 wrongly names the conductor as Stanford Robinson

                                                                                                                  

There is a wide difference of tone quality produced by the various cornets playing “half open”, and by the trombones playing smears.    

 

Conductor/Artists

Notes

Link

Faris

2'46".  No vocal effects.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RROiZBFjDhE

The Goats

Hip-hop text spoken over repeated orchestral background (Faris version?)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB9nu_eqlKQ

 

Godwin

2'31". Chamber orchestra with clean texture. Raucous piccolo, vulgar trombone.  With singing, shouting and women roystering.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5GHGSXpKPo

Ketèlbey (1929)

Lasts 2'37". With all vocal effects.

Columbia 9860/2

Ketèlbey (1940)

Lasts 2'21". With showman, but no singing.

Decca F 7616

Leaper

2'33". No vocal effects

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axp6-t7fxYs

Marshall

Leisurely 3'04". With singing and shouting.

 

Robinson

2'30".  No vocal effects.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY3rbLjvpbY

Rogers

2'19".  With mouth-organ effect, but no vocal ones.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfbodeLf_h8

Romando

Recorded in St James Park, London on 1st July 1995

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvaZ9JvnCe4

Sharples

Very fast, just 2'08".  Sudden pianissimo in the brass phrase “’Arf a pint of mild and bitter”, probably

thinking of the alternative words “Steady boys, here comes a copper.”   Final chord cut short

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMW6YCpHs_M

Voss

Final chord cut short.

 

 

webpage updated 8 May 2023