For over 50 years, Ketelbey's music was enjoyed by millions in Britain and Overseas.It was played regularly on the wireless and out and about by palm court orchestras, terashop trios, military bands, municipal orchestras, cinema organists and a host of professional and amateur pianists. 'In a Persian Market' and 'Bells Across The Meadows' were hummed and whistled daily by milkmen and solicitors, dustmen and accountants, cleaning ladies and ladies of leisure. Popular success in the field of light music, made Ketelbey the first British composer to attain millionaire status.

In 1915 he published 'In A monestary Garden', the piece for small orchestras that would transform his life. Many other pieces followed all with one recurring thread: that of romance. As the Birmingham Despatch noted in 1928, this was 'the key by which Mr Ketelbey unlocked the magical gate leading to fame with the great British public' that subtle, almost indefinable mystic something that softens hearts and lulls one almost into tears is the formula - very difficult to discover - of finding success with the many. It has been adopted by musicians, painters, novelists, actors and singers for centuries past. It may not be highly intellectual but it is clean, honest and entertaining.'

The music of Albert Ketelbey entertained and entranced audiences throughout the 1920's, 1930's and beyond. Notwithstanding many changes in fashion, even today there are many folks whose minds still grow wistful at the strains of his haunting and enchanting melodies.

Dr. Carl Chinn MBE PH.D.