Music and film
Film music is popular with our member orchestras. We have a comprehensive collection in our library worth exploring.
George Duning (1908–2000) was one of Hollywood’s most versatile and lyrical film composers. Trained at the Cincinnati Conservatory, he first made his mark with Kay Kyser’s band, arranging much of the music for Kyser’s hugely popular radio programme. A brief onscreen appearance in Carolina Blues brought him to the attention of Columbia Pictures, where he became a mainstay from the late 1940s and through the early 1960s. Duning’s scores for films such as 3:10 to Yuma and Picnic showcased his gift for melodic writing and emotional clarity. He earned five Academy Award® nominations and became an influential figure in the industry, serving on the ASCAP Board and contributing to the work of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His television work was equally notable, with music for Naked City, Tightrope!, Dennis the Menace, and The Farmer’s Daughter.
A quiet craftsman with a strong musical voice, Duning left a legacy of elegant, character-driven scoring that continues to resonate with film music enthusiasts.
We have an arrangement of the theme to the 1955 film Picnic in our library.
Contact our Library team for further information about works we have by Duning.
Women Composers
We are exploring the many works in our catalogue by women composers and arrangers.
With over 100 women represented, there is plenty to discover.
Jeanne Danglas (1871–1915), birth name Rosalie Crabos, was a French pianist and composer, born 1st August 1871 in Toulouse. She studied first at the Conservatoire of Toulouse, then at the Paris Conservatoire, where she appeared in the 1889–1890 enrolment registers as a student of solfège and singing. She published her music under several signatures: J. Danglas, Jeanne Danglas and Jeanne Crabos Danglas. Between 1909 and 1919 her works were issued by Pathé Frères, Heugel, and Durand, often with striking cover illustrations by René Péan and later Misti. Her catalogue includes mélodies, piano pieces, and small ensemble works. Notable titles include L'Amour s'Eveille.
Search our women composer listing - https://www.lightmusicsociety.com/services
Listen…
What makes your audiences smile!
Here is a suggestion that would make a perfect programme filler or encore.
Sketch of a Dandy - Haydn Wood
We have this work in our library.
Repertoire ideas
Here is a selection of works currently being borrowed from our library by member groups:
In A Chinese Temple Garden - Albert Ketèlbey
Looking Around - Colin Smith
Sporting Occasion - Arnold Steck
Madrugado - Ronald Binge
Composer of the Month
Frederic Curzon
A defining voice in British Light Music, Frederic Curzon (1899–1973) combined crisp orchestration with vivid character writing. As musical director at Boosey & Hawkes, he helped shape the London Light Music Library and championed composers across the genre. His own works — The Boulevardier, Dance of the Ostracised Imp, Punchinello, and the Robin Hood Suite (especially March of the Bowmen) — remain favourites for their wit, colour, and craftsmanship. Curzon’s influence extended beyond his own compositions: he nurtured the repertoire that brought Light Music to millions of radio listeners and helped define the polished, tuneful sound of mid-century British broadcasting. Here is Galavant, which is available from our library
We have several of his works in our library. Contact us on lmsliborders@gmail.com for more information about the music we have by this composer.
Savings Available
Can your group benefit from ordering more orchestral sets from LMS?
Music groups can order multiple orchestral sets at a reduced rate. Here are the details.
Orchestral Music sets for sale
Is your music group looking to buy some orchestral music?
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