The origin of gypsies is shadowed in the vastness of ancient history, but some authorities believe them to be of Egyptian or Indus lineage. Wherever these nomads travelled, they had the remarkable ability to absorb the musical spirit of that country, embellishing its folk tunes with their own sensuous, richly ornamented, improvisational performing art. Gypsies are known by many names: In Germany they are called ‘Zigeuner’; in Italy, ‘Zingaro’; in Spain, ‘Gitano’; in Hungary, ‘Tzigan’; in the Netherlands, ‘Heiden’; and in Denmark and Sweden, ‘Tatern’. In many instances, their music embraces the same characteristics – themes of heroic times, of love and death, of contrasting moods – sometimes fiery and volcanic, often dreamlike and romantic. It is this contrast of intoxicating illusion and vigorous, artistic spirit that “pervades” in ‘Romantic Fantasy’, an album of melodious and rhythmically exciting selections performed by the Symphonic “Pops” Orchestra, under the direction of Nathaniel Shilkret. Shining Moon