dissapointing, 10 Sep 2008
Very ,very dissapointed with this CD, heard a bit on classic FM, rushed out to buy it, There have been 100s of albums with pipes and drums, and I though being The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards it would be superior. I regret having spent my money on this CD. look for budget CDs of pipe music, you will probably get the real thing, and much better.

great, 05 Jun 2008
i must admit i was nota bagpipe person, infact i hated them .i got my fiance this for his christmas and i love it, its relaxing and calming and very special to the both of us.

Refreshing, 31 May 2008
This CD is so refreshing, so relaxing, inspirational and a joy to listen to. This CD is one listen to as I move about the house or driving along in the car.

Bag Pipes like never before, 28 May 2008
I have purchased Bag pipe cd's before and they didnt quite set the mark. I saw this title advertised on the tv and thought wow that sounds really different to the ones i had heard before. so after a while i came to amazon and delved in and brought it i am truly amazed by the sheer beauty. The bag pipes are truly made by the backing band of trumpets and other brass. let your emotions run free and let the musin fill your heart with love peace and joy by buying this peice of musical art today.

disappointed, 19 Feb 2008
To me the smooth orchestration detracts from the sharp sound of the bagpipes. Perhaps it might grow on me if I can bear to listen to it a few more times but really I wish I'd gone for a purely bagpipe album in the first place. There is also some singing on the album which doesn't seem to fit in either. And never have I heard such a weird version of Pachelbel's Canon. It's a very strange mixture of sounds that's not to my personal taste, though others obviously like it as the album has sold so well. Oh, and the CD arrived from Amazon with a cracked case. I am very disappointed with the whole thing.

dissapointing, 10 Sep 2008
Very ,very dissapointed with this CD, heard a bit on classic FM, rushed out to buy it, There have been 100s of albums with pipes and drums, and I though being The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards it would be superior. I regret having spent my money on this CD. look for budget CDs of pipe music, you will probably get the real thing, and much better.

great, 05 Jun 2008
i must admit i was nota bagpipe person, infact i hated them .i got my fiance this for his christmas and i love it, its relaxing and calming and very special to the both of us.

Refreshing, 31 May 2008
This CD is so refreshing, so relaxing, inspirational and a joy to listen to. This CD is one listen to as I move about the house or driving along in the car.

Bag Pipes like never before, 28 May 2008
I have purchased Bag pipe cd's before and they didnt quite set the mark. I saw this title advertised on the tv and thought wow that sounds really different to the ones i had heard before. so after a while i came to amazon and delved in and brought it i am truly amazed by the sheer beauty. The bag pipes are truly made by the backing band of trumpets and other brass. let your emotions run free and let the musin fill your heart with love peace and joy by buying this peice of musical art today.

disappointed, 19 Feb 2008
To me the smooth orchestration detracts from the sharp sound of the bagpipes. Perhaps it might grow on me if I can bear to listen to it a few more times but really I wish I'd gone for a purely bagpipe album in the first place. There is also some singing on the album which doesn't seem to fit in either. And never have I heard such a weird version of Pachelbel's Canon. It's a very strange mixture of sounds that's not to my personal taste, though others obviously like it as the album has sold so well. Oh, and the CD arrived from Amazon with a cracked case. I am very disappointed with the whole thing.

It may be unfashionable, but you'll like it, 30 Jun 2005
I would guess that most people these days, upon seeing this album in the listings, would opine that the marketing department at EMI must be scraping the bottom of the barrel to come up with this for their "Best...In The World...Ever" series. Fans of band music will shun it for its pick-and-mix composition, and everyone else will not give it a second thought.

Unfashionable it may be, but there is nothing quite like the raw power and stirring sound of a military band playing live, unadulterated by electronics and amplification, and, while it is almost impossible to transfer this energy satisfactorily to record, to simply ignore it is to miss out on some blistering tunes and harmonies, and great music overall, and I would argue that there's a place in everybody's collection for at least one CD such as this.

Most of the famous marches from the likes of Sousa and Kenneth Alford are included, together with some pieces from 1960s/70s film and TV series; you may not recognise all the titles, but I'm sure you'll know the tunes when you hear them. Quite topically there's also a 12-minute suite of nautical themes to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. And of course it wouldn't be complete without the genre's finest (commercial) moment, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards' "Amazing Grace". (Five weeks at No 1 - those were the days.)

As you will see from the tracklisting various bands are represented and, quite apart from the obvious pipes and drums, each has quite a different sound - for example, the Band of the Royal Marines sounds quite sharp and brisk, the Central Band of the RAF is warmer in tone and slightly more stately in rhythm. Recording dates also vary, even those of the same band, and this does not exactly help to give consistency of sound level and tone. However, only the four tracks from the Band of the Scots Guards, which date from 1955, really show any age.

This collection is great as a sampler, and to dip into now and again - I appreciate that not many people will listen to all two hours ten minutes of it straight through. Just now and then, stick it on, turn the volume up, and blow a few aural cobwebs away.

dissapointing, 10 Sep 2008
Very ,very dissapointed with this CD, heard a bit on classic FM, rushed out to buy it, There have been 100s of albums with pipes and drums, and I though being The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards it would be superior. I regret having spent my money on this CD. look for budget CDs of pipe music, you will probably get the real thing, and much better.

great, 05 Jun 2008
i must admit i was nota bagpipe person, infact i hated them .i got my fiance this for his christmas and i love it, its relaxing and calming and very special to the both of us.

Refreshing, 31 May 2008
This CD is so refreshing, so relaxing, inspirational and a joy to listen to. This CD is one listen to as I move about the house or driving along in the car.

Bag Pipes like never before, 28 May 2008
I have purchased Bag pipe cd's before and they didnt quite set the mark. I saw this title advertised on the tv and thought wow that sounds really different to the ones i had heard before. so after a while i came to amazon and delved in and brought it i am truly amazed by the sheer beauty. The bag pipes are truly made by the backing band of trumpets and other brass. let your emotions run free and let the musin fill your heart with love peace and joy by buying this peice of musical art today.

disappointed, 19 Feb 2008
To me the smooth orchestration detracts from the sharp sound of the bagpipes. Perhaps it might grow on me if I can bear to listen to it a few more times but really I wish I'd gone for a purely bagpipe album in the first place. There is also some singing on the album which doesn't seem to fit in either. And never have I heard such a weird version of Pachelbel's Canon. It's a very strange mixture of sounds that's not to my personal taste, though others obviously like it as the album has sold so well. Oh, and the CD arrived from Amazon with a cracked case. I am very disappointed with the whole thing.

It may be unfashionable, but you'll like it, 30 Jun 2005
I would guess that most people these days, upon seeing this album in the listings, would opine that the marketing department at EMI must be scraping the bottom of the barrel to come up with this for their "Best...In The World...Ever" series. Fans of band music will shun it for its pick-and-mix composition, and everyone else will not give it a second thought.

Unfashionable it may be, but there is nothing quite like the raw power and stirring sound of a military band playing live, unadulterated by electronics and amplification, and, while it is almost impossible to transfer this energy satisfactorily to record, to simply ignore it is to miss out on some blistering tunes and harmonies, and great music overall, and I would argue that there's a place in everybody's collection for at least one CD such as this.

Most of the famous marches from the likes of Sousa and Kenneth Alford are included, together with some pieces from 1960s/70s film and TV series; you may not recognise all the titles, but I'm sure you'll know the tunes when you hear them. Quite topically there's also a 12-minute suite of nautical themes to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. And of course it wouldn't be complete without the genre's finest (commercial) moment, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards' "Amazing Grace". (Five weeks at No 1 - those were the days.)

As you will see from the tracklisting various bands are represented and, quite apart from the obvious pipes and drums, each has quite a different sound - for example, the Band of the Royal Marines sounds quite sharp and brisk, the Central Band of the RAF is warmer in tone and slightly more stately in rhythm. Recording dates also vary, even those of the same band, and this does not exactly help to give consistency of sound level and tone. However, only the four tracks from the Band of the Scots Guards, which date from 1955, really show any age.

This collection is great as a sampler, and to dip into now and again - I appreciate that not many people will listen to all two hours ten minutes of it straight through. Just now and then, stick it on, turn the volume up, and blow a few aural cobwebs away.

Guaranteed to put you in fantastic form !, 01 Jun 2001
A tremendous collection of each British Army Regiment's own 'signature' tune.

From well known marches like 'The Radetsky' to lesser known tunes like 'The days we went a gipsying', they are all beautifully played by the Band of the Coldstream Guards in quicktime pace, ( 116 beats per minute ).

Together with Vol. 2, these great recordings will turn your living room into Horse Guards Parade !

dissapointing, 10 Sep 2008
Very ,very dissapointed with this CD, heard a bit on classic FM, rushed out to buy it, There have been 100s of albums with pipes and drums, and I though being The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards it would be superior. I regret having spent my money on this CD. look for budget CDs of pipe music, you will probably get the real thing, and much better.

great, 05 Jun 2008
i must admit i was nota bagpipe person, infact i hated them .i got my fiance this for his christmas and i love it, its relaxing and calming and very special to the both of us.

Refreshing, 31 May 2008
This CD is so refreshing, so relaxing, inspirational and a joy to listen to. This CD is one listen to as I move about the house or driving along in the car.

Bag Pipes like never before, 28 May 2008
I have purchased Bag pipe cd's before and they didnt quite set the mark. I saw this title advertised on the tv and thought wow that sounds really different to the ones i had heard before. so after a while i came to amazon and delved in and brought it i am truly amazed by the sheer beauty. The bag pipes are truly made by the backing band of trumpets and other brass. let your emotions run free and let the musin fill your heart with love peace and joy by buying this peice of musical art today.

disappointed, 19 Feb 2008
To me the smooth orchestration detracts from the sharp sound of the bagpipes. Perhaps it might grow on me if I can bear to listen to it a few more times but really I wish I'd gone for a purely bagpipe album in the first place. There is also some singing on the album which doesn't seem to fit in either. And never have I heard such a weird version of Pachelbel's Canon. It's a very strange mixture of sounds that's not to my personal taste, though others obviously like it as the album has sold so well. Oh, and the CD arrived from Amazon with a cracked case. I am very disappointed with the whole thing.

It may be unfashionable, but you'll like it, 30 Jun 2005
I would guess that most people these days, upon seeing this album in the listings, would opine that the marketing department at EMI must be scraping the bottom of the barrel to come up with this for their "Best...In The World...Ever" series. Fans of band music will shun it for its pick-and-mix composition, and everyone else will not give it a second thought.

Unfashionable it may be, but there is nothing quite like the raw power and stirring sound of a military band playing live, unadulterated by electronics and amplification, and, while it is almost impossible to transfer this energy satisfactorily to record, to simply ignore it is to miss out on some blistering tunes and harmonies, and great music overall, and I would argue that there's a place in everybody's collection for at least one CD such as this.

Most of the famous marches from the likes of Sousa and Kenneth Alford are included, together with some pieces from 1960s/70s film and TV series; you may not recognise all the titles, but I'm sure you'll know the tunes when you hear them. Quite topically there's also a 12-minute suite of nautical themes to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. And of course it wouldn't be complete without the genre's finest (commercial) moment, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards' "Amazing Grace". (Five weeks at No 1 - those were the days.)

As you will see from the tracklisting various bands are represented and, quite apart from the obvious pipes and drums, each has quite a different sound - for example, the Band of the Royal Marines sounds quite sharp and brisk, the Central Band of the RAF is warmer in tone and slightly more stately in rhythm. Recording dates also vary, even those of the same band, and this does not exactly help to give consistency of sound level and tone. However, only the four tracks from the Band of the Scots Guards, which date from 1955, really show any age.

This collection is great as a sampler, and to dip into now and again - I appreciate that not many people will listen to all two hours ten minutes of it straight through. Just now and then, stick it on, turn the volume up, and blow a few aural cobwebs away.

Guaranteed to put you in fantastic form !, 01 Jun 2001
A tremendous collection of each British Army Regiment's own 'signature' tune.

From well known marches like 'The Radetsky' to lesser known tunes like 'The days we went a gipsying', they are all beautifully played by the Band of the Coldstream Guards in quicktime pace, ( 116 beats per minute ).

Together with Vol. 2, these great recordings will turn your living room into Horse Guards Parade !

Ex Military Bandsman, 08 Apr 2006
This, and the sister CD are the finest recordings of the type I have heard.

Just like playing in the longest playoff ever.

57 foot tapping marches ! ( in total ), 01 Jun 2001
Just like Vol. 1, this is a brillient collection of top class marches for the military band enthusiast.

All excellently played by the Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards, and at 116 beats per minute you'll be 'footdrilling' your way around the house !! You will not regret buying this great cd.

dissapointing, 10 Sep 2008
Very ,very dissapointed with this CD, heard a bit on classic FM, rushed out to buy it, There have been 100s of albums with pipes and drums, and I though being The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards it would be superior. I regret having spent my money on this CD. look for budget CDs of pipe music, you will probably get the real thing, and much better.

great, 05 Jun 2008
i must admit i was nota bagpipe person, infact i hated them .i got my fiance this for his christmas and i love it, its relaxing and calming and very special to the both of us.

Refreshing, 31 May 2008
This CD is so refreshing, so relaxing, inspirational and a joy to listen to. This CD is one listen to as I move about the house or driving along in the car.

Bag Pipes like never before, 28 May 2008
I have purchased Bag pipe cd's before and they didnt quite set the mark. I saw this title advertised on the tv and thought wow that sounds really different to the ones i had heard before. so after a while i came to amazon and delved in and brought it i am truly amazed by the sheer beauty. The bag pipes are truly made by the backing band of trumpets and other brass. let your emotions run free and let the musin fill your heart with love peace and joy by buying this peice of musical art today.

disappointed, 19 Feb 2008
To me the smooth orchestration detracts from the sharp sound of the bagpipes. Perhaps it might grow on me if I can bear to listen to it a few more times but really I wish I'd gone for a purely bagpipe album in the first place. There is also some singing on the album which doesn't seem to fit in either. And never have I heard such a weird version of Pachelbel's Canon. It's a very strange mixture of sounds that's not to my personal taste, though others obviously like it as the album has sold so well. Oh, and the CD arrived from Amazon with a cracked case. I am very disappointed with the whole thing.

It may be unfashionable, but you'll like it, 30 Jun 2005
I would guess that most people these days, upon seeing this album in the listings, would opine that the marketing department at EMI must be scraping the bottom of the barrel to come up with this for their "Best...In The World...Ever" series. Fans of band music will shun it for its pick-and-mix composition, and everyone else will not give it a second thought.

Unfashionable it may be, but there is nothing quite like the raw power and stirring sound of a military band playing live, unadulterated by electronics and amplification, and, while it is almost impossible to transfer this energy satisfactorily to record, to simply ignore it is to miss out on some blistering tunes and harmonies, and great music overall, and I would argue that there's a place in everybody's collection for at least one CD such as this.

Most of the famous marches from the likes of Sousa and Kenneth Alford are included, together with some pieces from 1960s/70s film and TV series; you may not recognise all the titles, but I'm sure you'll know the tunes when you hear them. Quite topically there's also a 12-minute suite of nautical themes to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. And of course it wouldn't be complete without the genre's finest (commercial) moment, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards' "Amazing Grace". (Five weeks at No 1 - those were the days.)

As you will see from the tracklisting various bands are represented and, quite apart from the obvious pipes and drums, each has quite a different sound - for example, the Band of the Royal Marines sounds quite sharp and brisk, the Central Band of the RAF is warmer in tone and slightly more stately in rhythm. Recording dates also vary, even those of the same band, and this does not exactly help to give consistency of sound level and tone. However, only the four tracks from the Band of the Scots Guards, which date from 1955, really show any age.

This collection is great as a sampler, and to dip into now and again - I appreciate that not many people will listen to all two hours ten minutes of it straight through. Just now and then, stick it on, turn the volume up, and blow a few aural cobwebs away.

Guaranteed to put you in fantastic form !, 01 Jun 2001
A tremendous collection of each British Army Regiment's own 'signature' tune.

From well known marches like 'The Radetsky' to lesser known tunes like 'The days we went a gipsying', they are all beautifully played by the Band of the Coldstream Guards in quicktime pace, ( 116 beats per minute ).

Together with Vol. 2, these great recordings will turn your living room into Horse Guards Parade !

Ex Military Bandsman, 08 Apr 2006
This, and the sister CD are the finest recordings of the type I have heard.

Just like playing in the longest playoff ever.

57 foot tapping marches ! ( in total ), 01 Jun 2001
Just like Vol. 1, this is a brillient collection of top class marches for the military band enthusiast.

All excellently played by the Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards, and at 116 beats per minute you'll be 'footdrilling' your way around the house !! You will not regret buying this great cd.

6 pounds for 5 CD - Best Buy, 21 Jun 2005
There are many BOX SET with 2, 3, 4 or 5 CD and usually, it is always the same bands and the same tunes. So, the biggest difference between all these BOX SETS is the number of CD and tunes and the price of the BOX SET. At 6 pounds or 12$ for 5 CD, it is a very inexpensive BOX SET for a so wide variety of tunes. Mainly British military tunes, tunes from the war movies and some classic tunes, it is a best buy, The quality of recording is good and the tunes are easy to listen. There are many different bands and the tunes are well played. If you know nothing about military tunes, you must buy this BOX SET. If you do not know all the tunes, it is a good way to hear them.

dissapointing, 10 Sep 2008
Very ,very dissapointed with this CD, heard a bit on classic FM, rushed out to buy it, There have been 100s of albums with pipes and drums, and I though being The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards it would be superior. I regret having spent my money on this CD. look for budget CDs of pipe music, you will probably get the real thing, and much better.

great, 05 Jun 2008
i must admit i was nota bagpipe person, infact i hated them .i got my fiance this for his christmas and i love it, its relaxing and calming and very special to the both of us.

Refreshing, 31 May 2008
This CD is so refreshing, so relaxing, inspirational and a joy to listen to. This CD is one listen to as I move about the house or driving along in the car.

Bag Pipes like never before, 28 May 2008
I have purchased Bag pipe cd's before and they didnt quite set the mark. I saw this title advertised on the tv and thought wow that sounds really different to the ones i had heard before. so after a while i came to amazon and delved in and brought it i am truly amazed by the sheer beauty. The bag pipes are truly made by the backing band of trumpets and other brass. let your emotions run free and let the musin fill your heart with love peace and joy by buying this peice of musical art today.

disappointed, 19 Feb 2008
To me the smooth orchestration detracts from the sharp sound of the bagpipes. Perhaps it might grow on me if I can bear to listen to it a few more times but really I wish I'd gone for a purely bagpipe album in the first place. There is also some singing on the album which doesn't seem to fit in either. And never have I heard such a weird version of Pachelbel's Canon. It's a very strange mixture of sounds that's not to my personal taste, though others obviously like it as the album has sold so well. Oh, and the CD arrived from Amazon with a cracked case. I am very disappointed with the whole thing.

It may be unfashionable, but you'll like it, 30 Jun 2005
I would guess that most people these days, upon seeing this album in the listings, would opine that the marketing department at EMI must be scraping the bottom of the barrel to come up with this for their "Best...In The World...Ever" series. Fans of band music will shun it for its pick-and-mix composition, and everyone else will not give it a second thought.

Unfashionable it may be, but there is nothing quite like the raw power and stirring sound of a military band playing live, unadulterated by electronics and amplification, and, while it is almost impossible to transfer this energy satisfactorily to record, to simply ignore it is to miss out on some blistering tunes and harmonies, and great music overall, and I would argue that there's a place in everybody's collection for at least one CD such as this.

Most of the famous marches from the likes of Sousa and Kenneth Alford are included, together with some pieces from 1960s/70s film and TV series; you may not recognise all the titles, but I'm sure you'll know the tunes when you hear them. Quite topically there's also a 12-minute suite of nautical themes to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. And of course it wouldn't be complete without the genre's finest (commercial) moment, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards' "Amazing Grace". (Five weeks at No 1 - those were the days.)

As you will see from the tracklisting various bands are represented and, quite apart from the obvious pipes and drums, each has quite a different sound - for example, the Band of the Royal Marines sounds quite sharp and brisk, the Central Band of the RAF is warmer in tone and slightly more stately in rhythm. Recording dates also vary, even those of the same band, and this does not exactly help to give consistency of sound level and tone. However, only the four tracks from the Band of the Scots Guards, which date from 1955, really show any age.

This collection is great as a sampler, and to dip into now and again - I appreciate that not many people will listen to all two hours ten minutes of it straight through. Just now and then, stick it on, turn the volume up, and blow a few aural cobwebs away.

Guaranteed to put you in fantastic form !, 01 Jun 2001
A tremendous collection of each British Army Regiment's own 'signature' tune.

From well known marches like 'The Radetsky' to lesser known tunes like 'The days we went a gipsying', they are all beautifully played by the Band of the Coldstream Guards in quicktime pace, ( 116 beats per minute ).

Together with Vol. 2, these great recordings will turn your living room into Horse Guards Parade !

Ex Military Bandsman, 08 Apr 2006
This, and the sister CD are the finest recordings of the type I have heard.

Just like playing in the longest playoff ever.

57 foot tapping marches ! ( in total ), 01 Jun 2001
Just like Vol. 1, this is a brillient collection of top class marches for the military band enthusiast.

All excellently played by the Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards, and at 116 beats per minute you'll be 'footdrilling' your way around the house !! You will not regret buying this great cd.

6 pounds for 5 CD - Best Buy, 21 Jun 2005
There are many BOX SET with 2, 3, 4 or 5 CD and usually, it is always the same bands and the same tunes. So, the biggest difference between all these BOX SETS is the number of CD and tunes and the price of the BOX SET. At 6 pounds or 12$ for 5 CD, it is a very inexpensive BOX SET for a so wide variety of tunes. Mainly British military tunes, tunes from the war movies and some classic tunes, it is a best buy, The quality of recording is good and the tunes are easy to listen. There are many different bands and the tunes are well played. If you know nothing about military tunes, you must buy this BOX SET. If you do not know all the tunes, it is a good way to hear them.

Pleasant Ceremonials, 22 Aug 2007
Recording of two ceremonial programs (Beating Retreat and Tattoo). The music is played with precision and panache, but the recording dates from 1991, so the quality is not as high as more recent recordings. One for the true fan of military ceremonial.

dissapointing, 10 Sep 2008
Very ,very dissapointed with this CD, heard a bit on classic FM, rushed out to buy it, There have been 100s of albums with pipes and drums, and I though being The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards it would be superior. I regret having spent my money on this CD. look for budget CDs of pipe music, you will probably get the real thing, and much better.

great, 05 Jun 2008
i must admit i was nota bagpipe person, infact i hated them .i got my fiance this for his christmas and i love it, its relaxing and calming and very special to the both of us.

Refreshing, 31 May 2008
This CD is so refreshing, so relaxing, inspirational and a joy to listen to. This CD is one listen to as I move about the house or driving along in the car.

Bag Pipes like never before, 28 May 2008
I have purchased Bag pipe cd's before and they didnt quite set the mark. I saw this title advertised on the tv and thought wow that sounds really different to the ones i had heard before. so after a while i came to amazon and delved in and brought it i am truly amazed by the sheer beauty. The bag pipes are truly made by the backing band of trumpets and other brass. let your emotions run free and let the musin fill your heart with love peace and joy by buying this peice of musical art today.

disappointed, 19 Feb 2008
To me the smooth orchestration detracts from the sharp sound of the bagpipes. Perhaps it might grow on me if I can bear to listen to it a few more times but really I wish I'd gone for a purely bagpipe album in the first place. There is also some singing on the album which doesn't seem to fit in either. And never have I heard such a weird version of Pachelbel's Canon. It's a very strange mixture of sounds that's not to my personal taste, though others obviously like it as the album has sold so well. Oh, and the CD arrived from Amazon with a cracked case. I am very disappointed with the whole thing.

It may be unfashionable, but you'll like it, 30 Jun 2005
I would guess that most people these days, upon seeing this album in the listings, would opine that the marketing department at EMI must be scraping the bottom of the barrel to come up with this for their "Best...In The World...Ever" series. Fans of band music will shun it for its pick-and-mix composition, and everyone else will not give it a second thought.

Unfashionable it may be, but there is nothing quite like the raw power and stirring sound of a military band playing live, unadulterated by electronics and amplification, and, while it is almost impossible to transfer this energy satisfactorily to record, to simply ignore it is to miss out on some blistering tunes and harmonies, and great music overall, and I would argue that there's a place in everybody's collection for at least one CD such as this.

Most of the famous marches from the likes of Sousa and Kenneth Alford are included, together with some pieces from 1960s/70s film and TV series; you may not recognise all the titles, but I'm sure you'll know the tunes when you hear them. Quite topically there's also a 12-minute suite of nautical themes to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. And of course it wouldn't be complete without the genre's finest (commercial) moment, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards' "Amazing Grace". (Five weeks at No 1 - those were the days.)

As you will see from the tracklisting various bands are represented and, quite apart from the obvious pipes and drums, each has quite a different sound - for example, the Band of the Royal Marines sounds quite sharp and brisk, the Central Band of the RAF is warmer in tone and slightly more stately in rhythm. Recording dates also vary, even those of the same band, and this does not exactly help to give consistency of sound level and tone. However, only the four tracks from the Band of the Scots Guards, which date from 1955, really show any age.

This collection is great as a sampler, and to dip into now and again - I appreciate that not many people will listen to all two hours ten minutes of it straight through. Just now and then, stick it on, turn the volume up, and blow a few aural cobwebs away.

Guaranteed to put you in fantastic form !, 01 Jun 2001
A tremendous collection of each British Army Regiment's own 'signature' tune.

From well known marches like 'The Radetsky' to lesser known tunes like 'The days we went a gipsying', they are all beautifully played by the Band of the Coldstream Guards in quicktime pace, ( 116 beats per minute ).

Together with Vol. 2, these great recordings will turn your living room into Horse Guards Parade !

Ex Military Bandsman, 08 Apr 2006
This, and the sister CD are the finest recordings of the type I have heard.

Just like playing in the longest playoff ever.

57 foot tapping marches ! ( in total ), 01 Jun 2001
Just like Vol. 1, this is a brillient collection of top class marches for the military band enthusiast.

All excellently played by the Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards, and at 116 beats per minute you'll be 'footdrilling' your way around the house !! You will not regret buying this great cd.

6 pounds for 5 CD - Best Buy, 21 Jun 2005
There are many BOX SET with 2, 3, 4 or 5 CD and usually, it is always the same bands and the same tunes. So, the biggest difference between all these BOX SETS is the number of CD and tunes and the price of the BOX SET. At 6 pounds or 12$ for 5 CD, it is a very inexpensive BOX SET for a so wide variety of tunes. Mainly British military tunes, tunes from the war movies and some classic tunes, it is a best buy, The quality of recording is good and the tunes are easy to listen. There are many different bands and the tunes are well played. If you know nothing about military tunes, you must buy this BOX SET. If you do not know all the tunes, it is a good way to hear them.

Pleasant Ceremonials, 22 Aug 2007
Recording of two ceremonial programs (Beating Retreat and Tattoo). The music is played with precision and panache, but the recording dates from 1991, so the quality is not as high as more recent recordings. One for the true fan of military ceremonial.

Oh dear - beware immitations, 31 Jul 2004
Big fan of the Ashokan farewell which was the title music to the Ken Burns documentary - The Civil War. Was v disappointed with the rendition on this CD which was to me rather bland - my recommendation if you like the ashokan farewell - get the soundtrack CD 'the civil war'

Not a military band - beautifully and faithfully played, 11 Jul 2001
Perhaps the only clue from the web site that this album is played by a 'military band' is the pictures of the cover.

Had I paid more attention I might not have bought it - fearing that it was going to a military brass band playing special arrangements. Those fears were dispelled when I played the CD. The soloists play the pieces beautifully and without any trace of martial yeal.

The particular tracks that I wanted - The Ashokan Farewell - theme to the American Civil War TV Series, and Gabriels Oboe were all that you'd want.

dissapointing, 10 Sep 2008
Very ,very dissapointed with this CD, heard a bit on classic FM, rushed out to buy it, There have been 100s of albums with pipes and drums, and I though being The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards it would be superior. I regret having spent my money on this CD. look for budget CDs of pipe music, you will probably get the real thing, and much better.

great, 05 Jun 2008
i must admit i was nota bagpipe person, infact i hated them .i got my fiance this for his christmas and i love it, its relaxing and calming and very special to the both of us.

Refreshing, 31 May 2008
This CD is so refreshing, so relaxing, inspirational and a joy to listen to. This CD is one listen to as I move about the house or driving along in the car.

Bag Pipes like never before, 28 May 2008
I have purchased Bag pipe cd's before and they didnt quite set the mark. I saw this title advertised on the tv and thought wow that sounds really different to the ones i had heard before. so after a while i came to amazon and delved in and brought it i am truly amazed by the sheer beauty. The bag pipes are truly made by the backing band of trumpets and other brass. let your emotions run free and let the musin fill your heart with love peace and joy by buying this peice of musical art today.

disappointed, 19 Feb 2008
To me the smooth orchestration detracts from the sharp sound of the bagpipes. Perhaps it might grow on me if I can bear to listen to it a few more times but really I wish I'd gone for a purely bagpipe album in the first place. There is also some singing on the album which doesn't seem to fit in either. And never have I heard such a weird version of Pachelbel's Canon. It's a very strange mixture of sounds that's not to my personal taste, though others obviously like it as the album has sold so well. Oh, and the CD arrived from Amazon with a cracked case. I am very disappointed with the whole thing.

It may be unfashionable, but you'll like it, 30 Jun 2005
I would guess that most people these days, upon seeing this album in the listings, would opine that the marketing department at EMI must be scraping the bottom of the barrel to come up with this for their "Best...In The World...Ever" series. Fans of band music will shun it for its pick-and-mix composition, and everyone else will not give it a second thought.

Unfashionable it may be, but there is nothing quite like the raw power and stirring sound of a military band playing live, unadulterated by electronics and amplification, and, while it is almost impossible to transfer this energy satisfactorily to record, to simply ignore it is to miss out on some blistering tunes and harmonies, and great music overall, and I would argue that there's a place in everybody's collection for at least one CD such as this.

Most of the famous marches from the likes of Sousa and Kenneth Alford are included, together with some pieces from 1960s/70s film and TV series; you may not recognise all the titles, but I'm sure you'll know the tunes when you hear them. Quite topically there's also a 12-minute suite of nautical themes to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. And of course it wouldn't be complete without the genre's finest (commercial) moment, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards' "Amazing Grace". (Five weeks at No 1 - those were the days.)

As you will see from the tracklisting various bands are represented and, quite apart from the obvious pipes and drums, each has quite a different sound - for example, the Band of the Royal Marines sounds quite sharp and brisk, the Central Band of the RAF is warmer in tone and slightly more stately in rhythm. Recording dates also vary, even those of the same band, and this does not exactly help to give consistency of sound level and tone. However, only the four tracks from the Band of the Scots Guards, which date from 1955, really show any age.

This collection is great as a sampler, and to dip into now and again - I appreciate that not many people will listen to all two hours ten minutes of it straight through. Just now and then, stick it on, turn the volume up, and blow a few aural cobwebs away.

Guaranteed to put you in fantastic form !, 01 Jun 2001
A tremendous collection of each British Army Regiment's own 'signature' tune.

From well known marches like 'The Radetsky' to lesser known tunes like 'The days we went a gipsying', they are all beautifully played by the Band of the Coldstream Guards in quicktime pace, ( 116 beats per minute ).

Together with Vol. 2, these great recordings will turn your living room into Horse Guards Parade !

Ex Military Bandsman, 08 Apr 2006
This, and the sister CD are the finest recordings of the type I have heard.

Just like playing in the longest playoff ever.

57 foot tapping marches ! ( in total ), 01 Jun 2001
Just like Vol. 1, this is a brillient collection of top class marches for the military band enthusiast.

All excellently played by the Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards, and at 116 beats per minute you'll be 'footdrilling' your way around the house !! You will not regret buying this great cd.

6 pounds for 5 CD - Best Buy, 21 Jun 2005
There are many BOX SET with 2, 3, 4 or 5 CD and usually, it is always the same bands and the same tunes. So, the biggest difference between all these BOX SETS is the number of CD and tunes and the price of the BOX SET. At 6 pounds or 12$ for 5 CD, it is a very inexpensive BOX SET for a so wide variety of tunes. Mainly British military tunes, tunes from the war movies and some classic tunes, it is a best buy, The quality of recording is good and the tunes are easy to listen. There are many different bands and the tunes are well played. If you know nothing about military tunes, you must buy this BOX SET. If you do not know all the tunes, it is a good way to hear them.

Pleasant Ceremonials, 22 Aug 2007
Recording of two ceremonial programs (Beating Retreat and Tattoo). The music is played with precision and panache, but the recording dates from 1991, so the quality is not as high as more recent recordings. One for the true fan of military ceremonial.

Oh dear - beware immitations, 31 Jul 2004
Big fan of the Ashokan farewell which was the title music to the Ken Burns documentary - The Civil War. Was v disappointed with the rendition on this CD which was to me rather bland - my recommendation if you like the ashokan farewell - get the soundtrack CD 'the civil war'

Not a military band - beautifully and faithfully played, 11 Jul 2001
Perhaps the only clue from the web site that this album is played by a 'military band' is the pictures of the cover.

Had I paid more attention I might not have bought it - fearing that it was going to a military brass band playing special arrangements. Those fears were dispelled when I played the CD. The soloists play the pieces beautifully and without any trace of martial yeal.

The particular tracks that I wanted - The Ashokan Farewell - theme to the American Civil War TV Series, and Gabriels Oboe were all that you'd want.

Not for pipe band afficionados., 20 Feb 2008
I find this disappointing.
You'll probably like it if you like military bands in general, but it's not really pipe band music. It's pipes mixed in with other stuff.
And I have to say that the principal piper seems to lack a feel for the timing of the music.

dissapointing, 10 Sep 2008
Very ,very dissapointed with this CD, heard a bit on classic FM, rushed out to buy it, There have been 100s of albums with pipes and drums, and I though being The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards it would be superior. I regret having spent my money on this CD. look for budget CDs of pipe music, you will probably get the real thing, and much better.

great, 05 Jun 2008
i must admit i was nota bagpipe person, infact i hated them .i got my fiance this for his christmas and i love it, its relaxing and calming and very special to the both of us.

Refreshing, 31 May 2008
This CD is so refreshing, so relaxing, inspirational and a joy to listen to. This CD is one listen to as I move about the house or driving along in the car.

Bag Pipes like never before, 28 May 2008
I have purchased Bag pipe cd's before and they didnt quite set the mark. I saw this title advertised on the tv and thought wow that sounds really different to the ones i had heard before. so after a while i came to amazon and delved in and brought it i am truly amazed by the sheer beauty. The bag pipes are truly made by the backing band of trumpets and other brass. let your emotions run free and let the musin fill your heart with love peace and joy by buying this peice of musical art today.

disappointed, 19 Feb 2008
To me the smooth orchestration detracts from the sharp sound of the bagpipes. Perhaps it might grow on me if I can bear to listen to it a few more times but really I wish I'd gone for a purely bagpipe album in the first place. There is also some singing on the album which doesn't seem to fit in either. And never have I heard such a weird version of Pachelbel's Canon. It's a very strange mixture of sounds that's not to my personal taste, though others obviously like it as the album has sold so well. Oh, and the CD arrived from Amazon with a cracked case. I am very disappointed with the whole thing.

It may be unfashionable, but you'll like it, 30 Jun 2005
I would guess that most people these days, upon seeing this album in the listings, would opine that the marketing department at EMI must be scraping the bottom of the barrel to come up with this for their "Best...In The World...Ever" series. Fans of band music will shun it for its pick-and-mix composition, and everyone else will not give it a second thought.

Unfashionable it may be, but there is nothing quite like the raw power and stirring sound of a military band playing live, unadulterated by electronics and amplification, and, while it is almost impossible to transfer this energy satisfactorily to record, to simply ignore it is to miss out on some blistering tunes and harmonies, and great music overall, and I would argue that there's a place in everybody's collection for at least one CD such as this.

Most of the famous marches from the likes of Sousa and Kenneth Alford are included, together with some pieces from 1960s/70s film and TV series; you may not recognise all the titles, but I'm sure you'll know the tunes when you hear them. Quite topically there's also a 12-minute suite of nautical themes to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. And of course it wouldn't be complete without the genre's finest (commercial) moment, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards' "Amazing Grace". (Five weeks at No 1 - those were the days.)

As you will see from the tracklisting various bands are represented and, quite apart from the obvious pipes and drums, each has quite a different sound - for example, the Band of the Royal Marines sounds quite sharp and brisk, the Central Band of the RAF is warmer in tone and slightly more stately in rhythm. Recording dates also vary, even those of the same band, and this does not exactly help to give consistency of sound level and tone. However, only the four tracks from the Band of the Scots Guards, which date from 1955, really show any age.

This collection is great as a sampler, and to dip into now and again - I appreciate that not many people will listen to all two hours ten minutes of it straight through. Just now and then, stick it on, turn the volume up, and blow a few aural cobwebs away.

Guaranteed to put you in fantastic form !, 01 Jun 2001
A tremendous collection of each British Army Regiment's own 'signature' tune.

From well known marches like 'The Radetsky' to lesser known tunes like 'The days we went a gipsying', they are all beautifully played by the Band of the Coldstream Guards in quicktime pace, ( 116 beats per minute ).

Together with Vol. 2, these great recordings will turn your living room into Horse Guards Parade !

Ex Military Bandsman, 08 Apr 2006
This, and the sister CD are the finest recordings of the type I have heard.

Just like playing in the longest playoff ever.

57 foot tapping marches ! ( in total ), 01 Jun 2001
Just like Vol. 1, this is a brillient collection of top class marches for the military band enthusiast.

All excellently played by the Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards, and at 116 beats per minute you'll be 'footdrilling' your way around the house !! You will not regret buying this great cd.

6 pounds for 5 CD - Best Buy, 21 Jun 2005
There are many BOX SET with 2, 3, 4 or 5 CD and usually, it is always the same bands and the same tunes. So, the biggest difference between all these BOX SETS is the number of CD and tunes and the price of the BOX SET. At 6 pounds or 12$ for 5 CD, it is a very inexpensive BOX SET for a so wide variety of tunes. Mainly British military tunes, tunes from the war movies and some classic tunes, it is a best buy, The quality of recording is good and the tunes are easy to listen. There are many different bands and the tunes are well played. If you know nothing about military tunes, you must buy this BOX SET. If you do not know all the tunes, it is a good way to hear them.

Pleasant Ceremonials, 22 Aug 2007
Recording of two ceremonial programs (Beating Retreat and Tattoo). The music is played with precision and panache, but the recording dates from 1991, so the quality is not as high as more recent recordings. One for the true fan of military ceremonial.

Oh dear - beware immitations, 31 Jul 2004
Big fan of the Ashokan farewell which was the title music to the Ken Burns documentary - The Civil War. Was v disappointed with the rendition on this CD which was to me rather bland - my recommendation if you like the ashokan farewell - get the soundtrack CD 'the civil war'

Not a military band - beautifully and faithfully played, 11 Jul 2001
Perhaps the only clue from the web site that this album is played by a 'military band' is the pictures of the cover.

Had I paid more attention I might not have bought it - fearing that it was going to a military brass band playing special arrangements. Those fears were dispelled when I played the CD. The soloists play the pieces beautifully and without any trace of martial yeal.

The particular tracks that I wanted - The Ashokan Farewell - theme to the American Civil War TV Series, and Gabriels Oboe were all that you'd want.

Not for pipe band afficionados., 20 Feb 2008
I find this disappointing.
You'll probably like it if you like military bands in general, but it's not really pipe band music. It's pipes mixed in with other stuff.
And I have to say that the principal piper seems to lack a feel for the timing of the music.

Not the very best!, 22 Aug 2007
A very mixed CD, both in terms of material and quality. CD is dated 1990, but I suspect several of the recordings are rather older. The quality of recordings on some tracks is not very good at all, and there are better recordings of most of the music on other RM CDs.

Well done the Bootnecks!, 03 May 2005
A great album, with some rousing music! Reminds me of Lympstone.

dissapointing, 10 Sep 2008
Very ,very dissapointed with this CD, heard a bit on classic FM, rushed out to buy it, There have been 100s of albums with pipes and drums, and I though being The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards it would be superior. I regret having spent my money on this CD. look for budget CDs of pipe music, you will probably get the real thing, and much better.

great, 05 Jun 2008
i must admit i was nota bagpipe person, infact i hated them .i got my fiance this for his christmas and i love it, its relaxing and calming and very special to the both of us.

Refreshing, 31 May 2008
This CD is so refreshing, so relaxing, inspirational and a joy to listen to. This CD is one listen to as I move about the house or driving along in the car.

Bag Pipes like never before, 28 May 2008
I have purchased Bag pipe cd's before and they didnt quite set the mark. I saw this title advertised on the tv and thought wow that sounds really different to the ones i had heard before. so after a while i came to amazon and delved in and brought it i am truly amazed by the sheer beauty. The bag pipes are truly made by the backing band of trumpets and other brass. let your emotions run free and let the musin fill your heart with love peace and joy by buying this peice of musical art today.

disappointed, 19 Feb 2008
To me the smooth orchestration detracts from the sharp sound of the bagpipes. Perhaps it might grow on me if I can bear to listen to it a few more times but really I wish I'd gone for a purely bagpipe album in the first place. There is also some singing on the album which doesn't seem to fit in either. And never have I heard such a weird version of Pachelbel's Canon. It's a very strange mixture of sounds that's not to my personal taste, though others obviously like it as the album has sold so well. Oh, and the CD arrived from Amazon with a cracked case. I am very disappointed with the whole thing.

It may be unfashionable, but you'll like it, 30 Jun 2005
I would guess that most people these days, upon seeing this album in the listings, would opine that the marketing department at EMI must be scraping the bottom of the barrel to come up with this for their "Best...In The World...Ever" series. Fans of band music will shun it for its pick-and-mix composition, and everyone else will not give it a second thought.

Unfashionable it may be, but there is nothing quite like the raw power and stirring sound of a military band playing live, unadulterated by electronics and amplification, and, while it is almost impossible to transfer this energy satisfactorily to record, to simply ignore it is to miss out on some blistering tunes and harmonies, and great music overall, and I would argue that there's a place in everybody's collection for at least one CD such as this.

Most of the famous marches from the likes of Sousa and Kenneth Alford are included, together with some pieces from 1960s/70s film and TV series; you may not recognise all the titles, but I'm sure you'll know the tunes when you hear them. Quite topically there's also a 12-minute suite of nautical themes to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. And of course it wouldn't be complete without the genre's finest (commercial) moment, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards' "Amazing Grace". (Five weeks at No 1 - those were the days.)

As you will see from the tracklisting various bands are represented and, quite apart from the obvious pipes and drums, each has quite a different sound - for example, the Band of the Royal Marines sounds quite sharp and brisk, the Central Band of the RAF is warmer in tone and slightly more stately in rhythm. Recording dates also vary, even those of the same band, and this does not exactly help to give consistency of sound level and tone. However, only the four tracks from the Band of the Scots Guards, which date from 1955, really show any age.

This collection is great as a sampler, and to dip into now and again - I appreciate that not many people will listen to all two hours ten minutes of it straight through. Just now and then, stick it on, turn the volume up, and blow a few aural cobwebs away.

Guaranteed to put you in fantastic form !, 01 Jun 2001
A tremendous collection of each British Army Regiment's own 'signature' tune.

From well known marches like 'The Radetsky' to lesser known tunes like 'The days we went a gipsying', they are all beautifully played by the Band of the Coldstream Guards in quicktime pace, ( 116 beats per minute ).

Together with Vol. 2, these great recordings will turn your living room into Horse Guards Parade !

Ex Military Bandsman, 08 Apr 2006
This, and the sister CD are the finest recordings of the type I have heard.

Just like playing in the longest playoff ever.

57 foot tapping marches ! ( in total ), 01 Jun 2001
Just like Vol. 1, this is a brillient collection of top class marches for the military band enthusiast.

All excellently played by the Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards, and at 116 beats per minute you'll be 'footdrilling' your way around the house !! You will not regret buying this great cd.

6 pounds for 5 CD - Best Buy, 21 Jun 2005
There are many BOX SET with 2, 3, 4 or 5 CD and usually, it is always the same bands and the same tunes. So, the biggest difference between all these BOX SETS is the number of CD and tunes and the price of the BOX SET. At 6 pounds or 12$ for 5 CD, it is a very inexpensive BOX SET for a so wide variety of tunes. Mainly British military tunes, tunes from the war movies and some classic tunes, it is a best buy, The quality of recording is good and the tunes are easy to listen. There are many different bands and the tunes are well played. If you know nothing about military tunes, you must buy this BOX SET. If you do not know all the tunes, it is a good way to hear them.

Pleasant Ceremonials, 22 Aug 2007
Recording of two ceremonial programs (Beating Retreat and Tattoo). The music is played with precision and panache, but the recording dates from 1991, so the quality is not as high as more recent recordings. One for the true fan of military ceremonial.

Oh dear - beware immitations, 31 Jul 2004
Big fan of the Ashokan farewell which was the title music to the Ken Burns documentary - The Civil War. Was v disappointed with the rendition on this CD which was to me rather bland - my recommendation if you like the ashokan farewell - get the soundtrack CD 'the civil war'

Not a military band - beautifully and faithfully played, 11 Jul 2001
Perhaps the only clue from the web site that this album is played by a 'military band' is the pictures of the cover.

Had I paid more attention I might not have bought it - fearing that it was going to a military brass band playing special arrangements. Those fears were dispelled when I played the CD. The soloists play the pieces beautifully and without any trace of martial yeal.

The particular tracks that I wanted - The Ashokan Farewell - theme to the American Civil War TV Series, and Gabriels Oboe were all that you'd want.

Not for pipe band afficionados., 20 Feb 2008
I find this disappointing.
You'll probably like it if you like military bands in general, but it's not really pipe band music. It's pipes mixed in with other stuff.
And I have to say that the principal piper seems to lack a feel for the timing of the music.

Not the very best!, 22 Aug 2007
A very mixed CD, both in terms of material and quality. CD is dated 1990, but I suspect several of the recordings are rather older. The quality of recordings on some tracks is not very good at all, and there are better recordings of most of the music on other RM CDs.

Well done the Bootnecks!, 03 May 2005
A great album, with some rousing music! Reminds me of Lympstone.

The Royals at their Best, 19 Apr 2008
As a former member of the band I may be biast but this is the band at it's very best, and it is by the Portsmouth band. as always clean crisp and fantastic.

dissapointing, 10 Sep 2008
Very ,very dissapointed with this CD, heard a bit on classic FM, rushed out to buy it, There have been 100s of albums with pipes and drums, and I though being The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards it would be superior. I regret having spent my money on this CD. look for budget CDs of pipe music, you will probably get the real thing, and much better.

great, 05 Jun 2008
i must admit i was nota bagpipe person, infact i hated them .i got my fiance this for his christmas and i love it, its relaxing and calming and very special to the both of us.

Refreshing, 31 May 2008
This CD is so refreshing, so relaxing, inspirational and a joy to listen to. This CD is one listen to as I move about the house or driving along in the car.

Bag Pipes like never before, 28 May 2008
I have purchased Bag pipe cd's before and they didnt quite set the mark. I saw this title advertised on the tv and thought wow that sounds really different to the ones i had heard before. so after a while i came to amazon and delved in and brought it i am truly amazed by the sheer beauty. The bag pipes are truly made by the backing band of trumpets and other brass. let your emotions run free and let the musin fill your heart with love peace and joy by buying this peice of musical art today.

disappointed, 19 Feb 2008
To me the smooth orchestration detracts from the sharp sound of the bagpipes. Perhaps it might grow on me if I can bear to listen to it a few more times but really I wish I'd gone for a purely bagpipe album in the first place. There is also some singing on the album which doesn't seem to fit in either. And never have I heard such a weird version of Pachelbel's Canon. It's a very strange mixture of sounds that's not to my personal taste, though others obviously like it as the album has sold so well. Oh, and the CD arrived from Amazon with a cracked case. I am very disappointed with the whole thing.

It may be unfashionable, but you'll like it, 30 Jun 2005
I would guess that most people these days, upon seeing this album in the listings, would opine that the marketing department at EMI must be scraping the bottom of the barrel to come up with this for their "Best...In The World...Ever" series. Fans of band music will shun it for its pick-and-mix composition, and everyone else will not give it a second thought.

Unfashionable it may be, but there is nothing quite like the raw power and stirring sound of a military band playing live, unadulterated by electronics and amplification, and, while it is almost impossible to transfer this energy satisfactorily to record, to simply ignore it is to miss out on some blistering tunes and harmonies, and great music overall, and I would argue that there's a place in everybody's collection for at least one CD such as this.

Most of the famous marches from the likes of Sousa and Kenneth Alford are included, together with some pieces from 1960s/70s film and TV series; you may not recognise all the titles, but I'm sure you'll know the tunes when you hear them. Quite topically there's also a 12-minute suite of nautical themes to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. And of course it wouldn't be complete without the genre's finest (commercial) moment, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards' "Amazing Grace". (Five weeks at No 1 - those were the days.)

As you will see from the tracklisting various bands are represented and, quite apart from the obvious pipes and drums, each has quite a different sound - for example, the Band of the Royal Marines sounds quite sharp and brisk, the Central Band of the RAF is warmer in tone and slightly more stately in rhythm. Recording dates also vary, even those of the same band, and this does not exactly help to give consistency of sound level and tone. However, only the four tracks from the Band of the Scots Guards, which date from 1955, really show any age.

This collection is great as a sampler, and to dip into now and again - I appreciate that not many people will listen to all two hours ten minutes of it straight through. Just now and then, stick it on, turn the volume up, and blow a few aural cobwebs away.

Guaranteed to put you in fantastic form !, 01 Jun 2001
A tremendous collection of each British Army Regiment's own 'signature' tune.

From well known marches like 'The Radetsky' to lesser known tunes like 'The days we went a gipsying', they are all beautifully played by the Band of the Coldstream Guards in quicktime pace, ( 116 beats per minute ).

Together with Vol. 2, these great recordings will turn your living room into Horse Guards Parade !

Ex Military Bandsman, 08 Apr 2006
This, and the sister CD are the finest recordings of the type I have heard.

Just like playing in the longest playoff ever.

57 foot tapping marches ! ( in total ), 01 Jun 2001
Just like Vol. 1, this is a brillient collection of top class marches for the military band enthusiast.

All excellently played by the Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards, and at 116 beats per minute you'll be 'footdrilling' your way around the house !! You will not regret buying this great cd.

6 pounds for 5 CD - Best Buy, 21 Jun 2005
There are many BOX SET with 2, 3, 4 or 5 CD and usually, it is always the same bands and the same tunes. So, the biggest difference between all these BOX SETS is the number of CD and tunes and the price of the BOX SET. At 6 pounds or 12$ for 5 CD, it is a very inexpensive BOX SET for a so wide variety of tunes. Mainly British military tunes, tunes from the war movies and some classic tunes, it is a best buy, The quality of recording is good and the tunes are easy to listen. There are many different bands and the tunes are well played. If you know nothing about military tunes, you must buy this BOX SET. If you do not know all the tunes, it is a good way to hear them.

Pleasant Ceremonials, 22 Aug 2007
Recording of two ceremonial programs (Beating Retreat and Tattoo). The music is played with precision and panache, but the recording dates from 1991, so the quality is not as high as more recent recordings. One for the true fan of military ceremonial.

Oh dear - beware immitations, 31 Jul 2004
Big fan of the Ashokan farewell which was the title music to the Ken Burns documentary - The Civil War. Was v disappointed with the rendition on this CD which was to me rather bland - my recommendation if you like the ashokan farewell - get the soundtrack CD 'the civil war'

Not a military band - beautifully and faithfully played, 11 Jul 2001
Perhaps the only clue from the web site that this album is played by a 'military band' is the pictures of the cover.

Had I paid more attention I might not have bought it - fearing that it was going to a military brass band playing special arrangements. Those fears were dispelled when I played the CD. The soloists play the pieces beautifully and without any trace of martial yeal.

The particular tracks that I wanted - The Ashokan Farewell - theme to the American Civil War TV Series, and Gabriels Oboe were all that you'd want.

Not for pipe band afficionados., 20 Feb 2008
I find this disappointing.
You'll probably like it if you like military bands in general, but it's not really pipe band music. It's pipes mixed in with other stuff.
And I have to say that the principal piper seems to lack a feel for the timing of the music.

Not the very best!, 22 Aug 2007
A very mixed CD, both in terms of material and quality. CD is dated 1990, but I suspect several of the recordings are rather older. The quality of recordings on some tracks is not very good at all, and there are better recordings of most of the music on other RM CDs.

Well done the Bootnecks!, 03 May 2005
A great album, with some rousing music! Reminds me of Lympstone.

The Royals at their Best, 19 Apr 2008
As a former member of the band I may be biast but this is the band at it's very best, and it is by the Portsmouth band. as always clean crisp and fantastic.

More recent substitutions slightly mar a grand collection, 14 Mar 2005
This is a fine, well-paced, nicely put together collection of 44 songs of the war years. Those responsible have managed to produce a consistently pleasing sound quality from recordings of various vintages.

The only disappointment, given that this is meant to be a premium compilation of WWII tunes, is that of the 44 tracks, 15 are more recent re-recordings of well-loved tunes from the war years. Most of the tracks featured by The Andrews Sisters and - gasp! - Dame Vera are 1950s and 1960s renditions rather than the original versions of the war era. These are presumably the versions EMI had access to themselves, but it's a shame that the whole collection is not strictly of the period this compilation was made to commemorate. For this it loses one star.

Otherwise, this is a wonderful, beautifully-mastered trip through many nostalgic peaks of the music of World War II. If the above issues do not matter to you, you can buy this compilation with confidence and be delighted.

Wanna dance, Honey?, 19 Feb 2005
My mum,79, says it's great, and she was there!

It takes me back..., 05 Nov 2004
Evocative, varied and well produced, this album is a great collection for those who'd like to be transported to the Forties. It's a great CD with some recordings which are the less-than-usual type for compilations and the like. This is not one of those cheap compilations with artists you've never heard of or versions which are awful - they seem to have spent some money on putting it together and it works!

A few favourites by particular artists would have been nice, but I am merely being picky, as I ahve played this over and over and every time I find something else wonderful.

Dance, swoon, remember... the Forties may have been ravaged by war, but some of the music was fantastic!

A wonderful compilation!

dissapointing, 10 Sep 2008
Very ,very dissapointed with this CD, heard a bit on classic FM, rushed out to buy it, There have been 100s of albums with pipes and drums, and I though being The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards it would be superior. I regret having spent my money on this CD. look for budget CDs of pipe music, you will probably get the real thing, and much better.

great, 05 Jun 2008
i must admit i was nota bagpipe person, infact i hated them .i got my fiance this for his christmas and i love it, its relaxing and calming and very special to the both of us.

Refreshing, 31 May 2008
This CD is so refreshing, so relaxing, inspirational and a joy to listen to. This CD is one listen to as I move about the house or driving along in the car.

Bag Pipes like never before, 28 May 2008
I have purchased Bag pipe cd's before and they didnt quite set the mark. I saw this title advertised on the tv and thought wow that sounds really different to the ones i had heard before. so after a while i came to amazon and delved in and brought it i am truly amazed by the sheer beauty. The bag pipes are truly made by the backing band of trumpets and other brass. let your emotions run free and let the musin fill your heart with love peace and joy by buying this peice of musical art today.

disappointed, 19 Feb 2008
To me the smooth orchestration detracts from the sharp sound of the bagpipes. Perhaps it might grow on me if I can bear to listen to it a few more times but really I wish I'd gone for a purely bagpipe album in the first place. There is also some singing on the album which doesn't seem to fit in either. And never have I heard such a weird version of Pachelbel's Canon. It's a very strange mixture of sounds that's not to my personal taste, though others obviously like it as the album has sold so well. Oh, and the CD arrived from Amazon with a cracked case. I am very disappointed with the whole thing.

It may be unfashionable, but you'll like it, 30 Jun 2005
I would guess that most people these days, upon seeing this album in the listings, would opine that the marketing department at EMI must be scraping the bottom of the barrel to come up with this for their "Best...In The World...Ever" series. Fans of band music will shun it for its pick-and-mix composition, and everyone else will not give it a second thought.

Unfashionable it may be, but there is nothing quite like the raw power and stirring sound of a military band playing live, unadulterated by electronics and amplification, and, while it is almost impossible to transfer this energy satisfactorily to record, to simply ignore it is to miss out on some blistering tunes and harmonies, and great music overall, and I would argue that there's a place in everybody's collection for at least one CD such as this.

Most of the famous marches from the likes of Sousa and Kenneth Alford are included, together with some pieces from 1960s/70s film and TV series; you may not recognise all the titles, but I'm sure you'll know the tunes when you hear them. Quite topically there's also a 12-minute suite of nautical themes to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. And of course it wouldn't be complete without the genre's finest (commercial) moment, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards' "Amazing Grace". (Five weeks at No 1 - those were the days.)

As you will see from the tracklisting various bands are represented and, quite apart from the obvious pipes and drums, each has quite a different sound - for example, the Band of the Royal Marines sounds quite sharp and brisk, the Central Band of the RAF is warmer in tone and slightly more stately in rhythm. Recording dates also vary, even those of the same band, and this does not exactly help to give consistency of sound level and tone. However, only the four tracks from the Band of the Scots Guards, which date from 1955, really show any age.

This collection is great as a sampler, and to dip into now and again - I appreciate that not many people will listen to all two hours ten minutes of it straight through. Just now and then, stick it on, turn the volume up, and blow a few aural cobwebs away.

Guaranteed to put you in fantastic form !, 01 Jun 2001
A tremendous collection of each British Army Regiment's own 'signature' tune.

From well known marches like 'The Radetsky' to lesser known tunes like 'The days we went a gipsying', they are all beautifully played by the Band of the Coldstream Guards in quicktime pace, ( 116 beats per minute ).

Together with Vol. 2, these great recordings will turn your living room into Horse Guards Parade !

Ex Military Bandsman, 08 Apr 2006
This, and the sister CD are the finest recordings of the type I have heard.

Just like playing in the longest pla