Pop composers that are unsung romantics.....

[sdtom]

Two not mentioned that come to my mind are Shostakovich and his jazz suite (tea for two) and Richard Rodgers and his Victory at Sea suite which is a favorite of mine but not necessarily the general public. I've owned the lp for 50+ years and still have yet to get tired of it.

[mbhaub]

I don't think anyone would consider Shostakovich a "pops" composer first, rather a serious composer who could lighten up from time to time. Although his version of "jazz" is about as far from that genre as possible - and all the better for it.

I'd forgotten about the Rogers' Victory at Sea, but you have to wonder how much of it is really his. More likely, Robert Russell Bennett should get half of the credit. And it is fun to play, although it's been several years since I've done it - good pops piece especially around patriotic holidays.