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I have the set of Beecham recordings - he was one of the pioneer conductors promoting Delius, but the sound quality is not great so I've supplemented them with interpretations from both Groves and Barbirolli.The way Delius treated Fenby was dreadful but we can be thankful he persevered for so long to give us such beautiful music from Delius.
Any other Delius fans out there?
John
Do not criticise the idiots in this world - we need them as they make the rest of us look so much better :-)
Follow Ups:
I didn't realise that Delius had syphilis - this is what robbed him of his sight in his later years, and may well have been the reason for his misanthropy.In contradiction to a comment from one of the posters on this thread, it seems he did have a formal musical education (in Leipzig)
Alex
This arrived in the latest batch of purchases. An EMI classics 2 CD set with Groves conducting.It is in the same genre as his orchestral compositions - beautiful music with some magic moments but with some drama this time. Lyrical is probably the best way of describing most of his music. Yes maybe most of it is dull if you are not in an appreciative mood - generally it is music for relaxation, not excitement. That said, IMO there should be a place for at least one or two discs of his works in a classical collection.
But I still find it difficult to reconcile the man with his music. So better not to let it be a distraction.
John
Do not criticise the idiots in this world - we need them as they make the rest of us look so much better :-)
Sorry. . . couldn't help myself!
One of the saddest and most beautiful pieces I know.I didn't realise for a long time that the "Paradise Garden" was a pub!
...the Walk to the Paradise Gardern and Irmelin Prelude, Marriner's on Argo is one of the most gorgeous performances, (and recordings), I own.
I know it's the not the most heady stuff, but I always put him on when I need to de-stress and relax. It also makes a good Sunday morning music for me. I've got just about most of his works including LPs of his operas A Village Romeo and Julie, and Fennimore and Gerda.As for some of his works that have not been mentioned here, his Mass of Life is a fabulous work. Hickox has a great version of it. Songs of Sunset is worth listening to as well. Hickox also has a CD of Florida Suite an North Country Sketches, which I quite like.
I have the EMI double CD of Beecham and the Royal Phil playing the Delius high points. I quite like some of them - 'Sleigh Ride', 'Brigg Fair'..., but I agree that he can sort of wander aimlessly at times.Apparently he was a bit of a dilettante, having been born into the family of a wealthy Victorian plantation owner.
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Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. (Abraham Lincoln)
Delius' Violin Concerto by Tasmin Little with Mackerras and the Welsh National Opera Orchetra. Recording includes ..the First Cochoo, Summer Night on the River and Dance Rhapsodies. Argo 433 704-2. Another winner is the VC by Ralph Holmes, conducted by Handley with the RPO. Includes a recording of Suite and Legende. Unicorn-Kanchana DKP9040.These recordings are about all of his stuff I listen to any longer. This IMHO really isn't 'musac'. I highly recommend it
I used to have the violin concerto on LP but it is not on the current CDs. About the only doubling up will be The First Cuckoo and Summer night so I'll chase them up thanks.Not meaning to be disparaging by use of the term "musac" and note I said high class. His music is most relaxing. Pity he was such a nasty piece of humanity - sort of at complely at odds with his music.
John
Do not criticise the idiots in this world - we need them as they make the rest of us look so much better :-)
Having heard one or two of his works and thinking that maybe I'm missing the point or the appreciation, I went on to buy more.At first his melodies sounded wonderful, but the music never "went anywhere", wherever music is supposed to go. Piece after piece was the same -- beautiful but directionless. I read that he had no formal music training, so maybe the lack of structure is a result of that.
Sort of high class "musac" - beautiful as you say and very listenable but not goosebump material with exciting climaxes or much contrast. But it is perfect to listen to if looking for tranquility.John
Do not criticise the idiots in this world - we need them as they make the rest of us look so much better :-)
I have a few Beecham Seraphim lps. Very relaxing. Almost sublime, but most certainly evocative of the subject matter at hand, e.g., The Florida Suite.
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