Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Frederick Delius with this captivating album, "Delius: On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring." This collection, released on Naxos in 2004, showcases the composer's mastery of orchestral tone poems and suites, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that evoke the changing seasons and the beauty of nature.
The album opens with the lively "Marche Caprice," setting the stage for the three "Small Tone Poems" that follow, each capturing the essence of a different season. "Summer Evening," "Winter Night," and "Spring Morning" transport the listener through a year's journey, each piece a vivid snapshot of Delius's impressionistic style.
Delius's influence from composers like Grieg is evident in works like "On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring," a tone poem that reflects the joy and tranquility of spring. This piece, along with "Summer Night on the River," is part of the "Two Pieces for Small Orchestra," both conducted here by David Lloyd-Jones with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
The album also includes the evocative "A Village Romeo and Juliet: The Walk to the Paradise Garden," a suite that tells a story of love and longing through music. Other highlights include the whimsical "Fantastic Dance" and the serene "A Song before Sunrise," each piece a testament to Delius's unique voice in the classical canon.
With a duration of just over an hour, this album is a perfect introduction to Delius's orchestral works, showcasing his ability to paint vivid musical landscapes. Whether you're a longtime fan of Delius or new to his music, this collection is sure to delight and inspire.
Vinylscout