Delos Diary

While watching a near-blinding and deafening series of Previews of Coming Attractions preceding an almost anti-climactic movie the other day, I was suddenly aroused from my stupor by the announcement of a new movie version of James M. Barrie's classic story Peter Pan due this Christmas. What I saw in the preview looked good … in fact, very good! The story seems to be intact, the production values look elegant and the cast list is impressive (a real boy plays Peter).
Then I remembered that we at Delos have two Peter Pan recordings, dating back a few years, but both currently available and both outstanding efforts. As the saying goes, "no expense was spared," to make them very special.
The first, a single CD, is entitled "An Awfully Big Adventure, the Best of Peter Pan 1904–1996." It includes 18 tracks, a first-ever collection of some of the most beloved melodies associated with various productions — dramatic and musical — of the Peter Pan story, from 1904 to the present time, all especially arranged by Donald Fraser for an all-star cast of acclaimed Delos artists (DE 3201).
The second, a 2 CD set (DE 6007) is a definitive reading of the story of Peter Pan adapted form the J. M. Barrie original book "Peter and Wendy" by Jane McCulloch, distinguished British writer, playwright, lyricist and theatre director. The narrator, or reader if you will, is none other than Sir Derek Jacobi, a familiar name to anyone who loves live theatre or PBS television drama series. Sir Derek's own words, "I am Peter Pan," tell you all you need to know about his interpretation. With discreet additions of incidental music between chapters, this set remains a unique addition to the Delos catalog. Great listening for adults and kids!