Shantyana- Selection of Sea Shantys - Frederick Charrosin

Описание: ‘Shantyana’ as the title suggests, is a collection of traditional Sea Shanties transcribed and orchestrated by composer Frederick Charrosin. Sea shanties are rhythmic work songs traditionally sung by sailors to synchronize and ease the physical labour aboard ships. The word "shanty" (also spelled "chantey") is believed to derive from the French verb "chanter," meaning "to sing," reflecting their vocal, call-and-response nature.

The roots of sea shanties trace back to at least the mid-1400s, emerging during the era of tall merchant sailing ships in Europe. They evolved from simple chants used by crews to coordinate tasks like hauling sails or loading cargo.

Frederick George Charrosin (1910–1976) was a prolific British composer and arranger, best known for his contributions to the light music genre during the mid-20th century. Born in the United Kingdom, Charrosin emerged as a key figure in the golden age of orchestral "mood music" and easy listening, a style that blended classical influences with popular melodies to create evocative, atmospheric pieces suitable for radio, film, and background entertainment. His work reflected the post-World War II cultural landscape in Britain, where light orchestras thrived on the BBC, providing escapist fare amid economic recovery and the rise of mass media.

Charrosin trained in composition and orchestration, drawing from Romantic-era fantasies (e.g., themes inspired by Liszt or Brahms) and folk motifs, which became hallmarks of his style. His multicultural leanings are evident in works evoking Irish, Scottish, Slavic, and even exotic locales, mirroring Britain's imperial echoes and growing interest in global sounds through migration and media.

Charrosin's career flourished primarily in the 1940s and 1950s, a time when light music dominated British airwaves and recorded libraries. He specialized in orchestral miniatures—short, standalone movements rather than full suites—designed for publishers' stock music catalogs. These were practical tools for broadcasters, filmmakers, and advertisers needing royalty-free cues. Key publishers included Paxton, Boosey & Hawkes, and especially Bosworth, which issued many of his scores. His output was extensive, with hundreds of pieces featuring call-and-response orchestration, lively rhythms, and whimsical titles that captured everyday moods.

Charrosin was a frequent BBC contributor, with his arrangements of classics (e.g., Brahms' Hungarian Dances) and original medleys airing regularly on programs by light orchestras such as the BBC Northern Orchestra, George Melachrino Orchestra, and Billy Cotton Band. His music suited the era's "wireless" culture, where radio was a primary leisure activity, and light music provided accessible sophistication amid rationing and reconstruction. In the 1950s, as television emerged, his pieces found new life in soundtracks.

Music Notation - Sibelius 7.1
Sounds - Noteperformer 5.1
Audio Mastering - Bandlab
Produced with CyberLink PowerDirector 365