Splash of Pops
Keith Lockhart might very well be theBackstreet Boyof classical music. With good looks, a ton of energy, and--most importantly--popular appeal, he leads the Boston Pops Orchestra through disc after disc of Americana compositions (and the oddCeltic title).A Splash of Popsis more of the same. The Boston Pops get downright patriotic by playing everything from Paul Simon's "America" to "Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy," along with a few classical compositions (for example, Tchaikovsky's1812Overture). It's a light affair loaded with saccharine energy, but a few surprises (the overture toState Fairand the new "With Voices Raised," commissioned from the authors ofRagtime: the Musical) are thrown in to keep things interesting. For another sampling of Americana-based classical music, fans should seek out Leonard Bernstein conductingAaron Copland'sAppalachian Springwith the New York Philharmonic. It's one of America's greatest recordings and a truer testament to the country's musical wealth.--Jason Verlinde