Naxos has launched a series of Best Of CDs, all drawn from their extensive catalog. This is just one example, but I can’t think of another composer whose music I would enjoy more in such a setting. Some of the English composers’ biggest hits are here, but I also discovered a couple with which I was unfamiliar. The opening track would almost have to be his idyllic picture of an English Spring – On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring. Two other totally evocative short works – Summer Night on the River and The Walk to the Paradise Garden – are also in the program. Delius’ music has been criticized for not developing anything or going anywhere – just painting dreamy environments. Well, I for one love it exactly for that. This well-packed disc is an inexpensive introduction to Delius’ special world and will hopefully lead to further exploration. And the sonics are better than on some of the classic Delius recordings, such as Sir Thomas Beecham’s.
Performers: Bournemouth Sinfonietta, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Richard Studt, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, David Lloyd-Jones, English Northern Philharmonia, Frederick Delius, Myer Fredman, Sarah Francis, Irene Evans, Shirley Thomas, Sue Pearce, Susan Lees, Susannah Glanville
TrackList:
1. 2 Pieces for Small Orchestra: No. 1. On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring David Lloyd-Jones 5:52
2. 2 Pieces for Small Orchestra: No. 2. Summer Night on the River David Lloyd-Jones 6:16
3. Irmelin: Irmelin: Prelude Myer Fredman 5:17
4. Florida Suite: Florida Suite: II. By the River David Lloyd-Jones 7:08
5. 2 Aquarelles: No. 1: Lento, ma non troppo Richard Studt 2:23 6. 2 Aquarelles: No. 2: Gaily, but not quick Richard Studt 2:20
7. Scherzo David Lloyd-Jones 5:44
8. Fantastic Dance David Lloyd-Jones 3:36
9. A Village Romeo and Juliet: A Village Romeo and Juliet: The Walk to the Paradise Garden David Lloyd-Jones 9:11
10. 3 Small Tone Poems: 3 Small Tone Poems: No. 2. Winter Night, “Sleigh Ride” David Lloyd-Jones 5:40
11. Idylle Printemps David Lloyd-Jones 8:01
12. Koanga, Act II: La Calinda (arr. E. Fenby) Myer Fredman 3:49
13. Koanga: Koanga, Act II: Closing Scene (arr. T. Beecham) 10:32
– John Sunier
