Through the ages, dancing has been an integral part of human life... often depicting historic tales of a nation, but more often enjoyed as a rhythmic form of amusement and relaxation. Tastefully compiled here, in ‘Concert Cameos, Vol. 6,’ are examples of “the dance,” covering a wide, colorful range. The Philharmonia Orchestra, under the baton of Rosario Bourdon, adds a genuine lustre to Danse Orientale by Glazounov. In the manner of Borodin and Rimsky-Korsakoff, this artfully shaped melody weaves a spell of the Far East. Strings and woodwinds soar in chromatic spirals while tambourines shimmer in the background. The very first performance of this work assured its lasting success and set it firmly into the collection of classic concert dances. From the ‘Ballet Egyptien’ by Alexander Luigini comes the light, floating Allegretto in three-quarter time, and from Franz Lehar’s operetta, ‘Eva’ the orchestra presents a bouquet of excerpts in Eva Waltzes. Here are melodies to charm the listener with swirling, infectious tempos, inviting all to join in the festivities. Dance Of The Camorrists appears in Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari’s opera ‘The Jewels Of The Madonna.’ This robust, flashing excerpt from the third act receives a full measure of orchestral verve and ornamental inventiveness under the direction of Maestro Bourdon. Among other lighthearted selections in this album is Themes From Mignon presenting some of the highlights of Ambroise Thomas’ opera. Noteworthy in this potpourri is the vivacious Polonaise... which in opera performances is sung in the second act by the capricious, flighty Philine, the heroine’s rival in the eternal game of “all is fair in love and war.”