London Festival Overture
The overture is full of rhythmic vitality which is apparent from the very opening and represents the hustle and bustle of an urban environment. The piece contains no less than five principal themes which are heard individually but also combine at various points throughout the work.
The original score (still available) contained a large percussion section that included three sets of drums to placed from left to right at the back of the orchestra. The work has been accepted for broadcast by the BBC. A recording of the work is available from Cambridge Recordings.
It is a fine example of an approachable, enjoyable piece of music written for a particular occasion. It deserves our attention.
— John France, music critic: British Classical Music: The Land of Lost Content
Audio sample