For the MPYO guys, here are all the clips for the June concert, just in case you were wondering what the pieces sounded like. And it's all in one convenient download package!

Download here

Edit: I know many of us here in Malaysia don't have Premium Rapidshare accounts and have lousy internet connections, so here are the 3 files compressed at a lower bit rate (hence the slightly lower audio quality, though if you can't tell, it's not a bad thing).

Harlem - Simon Rattle

Harlem - Duke Ellington

NIght Creatures - Duke Ellington

As an added bonus, you can download the original big band arrangement (A Tone Parallel to Harlem) from the Ellington Uptown album here!

What's in the package:

1. Harlem (Simon Rattle; City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra - Classic Ellington album)
To be honest, I was slightly disappointed with their take on the piece, especially after waiting 3 weeks for the CD to arrive from eBay. The notes were all 'correct' but I felt that it didn't swing hard enough, and at parts the whole orchestra sounded like they were rushing (sounds familiar?). Compare with...

2. Harlem (Duke Ellington's band; a whole bunch of European classical musicians - Symphonic Ellington album)
If I'm not mistaken this was the Duke's first ever recording of the piece with an arrangement for orchestra. This one definitely swings hard, probably because all his big band friends are all on it as well.

3. Night Creatures (same as above)
In 3 movements; from the Symphonic Ellington album as well.

If you enjoyed that and want to explore more into this kind of music, do let me know and I can provide you with more listening material. Or you could always obtain a (legal) copy of the above recordings for a start.