“Hollywood Soundstage is the best film music recording since the RCA Classic Film Score Series conducted by Charles Gerhardt. This is primarily because of Chandos’s superstar classical conductor John Wilson and his dedication to the Golden Age of Film Music… The Chandos SACD sound is competitive with the audiophile sonics of the RCA Classic Film Score Series. Hopefully, Wilson will follow this important recording with more collection of music from the Golden Age of Film Music.”

“… each release by John Wilson’s Sinfonia of London is more exciting than the last. But even so, this is something special; for its big-hearted emotional commitment; for the living, breathing physicality of both playing and recorded sound; and for the sheer inspiration of this vital (but still undervalued) 20^th-century repertoire. I can’t stop listening.” – Richard Bratby

“…Nothing on this disc better illustrates the outstanding quality of the orchestral playing [‘The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex’ (1939)] – a combination of discipline, spontaneity and technical security. Needless to say the opulent sound quality achieved by the Chandos recording team … is all one could wish for…. This is release that is certain to be relished by both aficionados of Hollywood film scores and admirers of John Wilson and his Sinfonia of London’s exceptional musicianship.”

“…The recognizable yet well-curated repertoire, along with the instrumentalists’ enthusiastic performances will certainly elicit a sense of nostalgia—and maybe a desire to rewatch—the films themselves. A refreshing album that makes for a delightful listen.”

Stage & Screen Choice

“…A dazzlingly rich and ravishing treat.” *****

Performance *****      Sonics (multichannel) *****

“… This is release that is certain to be relished by both aficionados of Hollywood film scores and admirers of John Wilson and his Sinfonia of London’s exceptional musicianship.”

Editor’s Choice – Orchestral Section

“An exercise in unapologetic nostalgia, this lovely celebration of classic Hollywood film scores is delivered with deep care and affection by Wilson and his dependably excellent players…” ****

“… Hollywood Soundstage is a mixed bag of lush and vibrant themes and affecting melodies, which I am certain we all know and adore, it is an excellent release. Why not sit back and be transported to those bygone days when movies were entertaining, and film music was a joy to hear because it contained melodic compositions…”

Recording of the Week

“… I can't really recall any other album recently that has been so full of such joyous, exuberant, and infectiously emotional playing…”

“… All blaze into life in these performances from Wilson and the Sinfonia of London, silver-screen heroes for a new generation of film music lovers.” *****