Montague Phillips: Revelry Overture op.62 (1937)

Lewis Foreman in his programme notes for the only recording of Montague Phillips’s Revelry Overture, suggests that this piece is the epitome of light music of its time. He feels that it sounds so entirely familiar that it must have been used as an erstwhile BBC signature tune. This is, he feels, how he first came across this piece, however, he has been unable to identify which programme it was...

The Overture commences as it means to go on – with a sparkling curtain raiser. This is quickly followed by a forward-moving tune. There is little let-up in the general mood of this music although there are one or two weak points in the ‘middle eight’ where the inspiration seems to run dry. However, all is forgiven as the ‘well known’ tune returns in all its glory.

This is decidedly happy music. Here are none of the concerns that were haunting other writers and composers currently. We do not find reference to the rise of Nazism here or the horrors of the Spanish Civil War. The only reference to the current political situation appears to be the use of castanets. The Revelry Overture is pure escapism and when we accept that this is the case, we can put weightier matters to one side and take sheer pleasure in a ‘damn good tune.’

Finally, I agree with Lewis Foreman that this music sounds so unbelievably familiar – especially the big tune. Perhaps it is just a case that it is an unconscious parody of all that is best in light music melody construction. It was first performed on New Year’s Eve 1937.

Montague Phillips’s Revelry Overture can be heard on Dutton Epoch, DUTTON CDLX 7140. The BBC Concert Orchestra is conducted by Gavin Sutherland. It has been uploaded to YouTube.