(ARTHUR) FIEDLER GREATEST HITS

Arthur Fielder made listening to classical music fun and he was a unique showman who staged concerts that drew entire families to watch and listen. As the colorful, curmudgeonly but cuddly conductor of the world famous Boston Pops symphony orchestra, he not only revitalized music locally, but through his orchestral recordings and TV/radio appearances brought classical music to the masses. Despite the fact that the orchestra played with serious perfection, there was always an air of informality at Fiedler’s concerts.“Arthur Fiedler: Greatest Hits” has sold over 6 million copies, and it's no wonder. This beautifully remastered RCA LP (now on CD) is a fine collection of familiar melodies that some people don't even realize have classical origins. Those musicians who were fortunate enough to be in his orchestra say that playing under Maestro Fiedler was an invigorating — but challenging — experience. He was a tough, no-nonsense conductor who expected crisp, lyrical and expressive playing.