Boston Pops Orchestra

The Boston Pops' spring 2000 album is called Encore because it offers encore appearances of some of the most popular tunes ever performed by the orchestra. In other words, it's a greatest-hits collection, featuring 50 minutes of highlights from the Keith Lockhart era -- the recordings the Boston Pops made for RCA during the '90s. There is only one new piece here: a tribute to Elvis Presley written by Patrick Hollenbeck. Since it's just a medley of oldies, however, it feels as familiar as anything else here, but that's not necessarily a complaint either. It's nice for casual fans to have such popular favorites as "Sleigh Ride," "Song of the Volga Boatmen," "Hymn to New England," "Farandole," "Doodletown Fifers," and "Stars and Stripes Forever" on one disc. Such a melodic, welcoming set list will be reason enough for most casual enthusiasts to acquire Encore. It's a good sampler, even if it doesn't have the cohesion of an actual Pops concert or record. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide