Composer: Frederick Delius
Works: Sea Drift; Paris: The Song of a Great City; In a Summer Garden; A Song of Summer; Summer Night on the River; The Walk to the Paradise Garden; Cello Sonata; A Song of the High Hills; Intermezzo and Serenade: Hassan; A Song before Sunrise; Air and Dance; La Calinda (Koanga)
Performers: John Shirley-Quirk (baritone), London Symphony Chorus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Richard Hickox; London Symphony Orchestra/Anthony Collins; Julian Lloyd Webber (cello), Bengt Forsberg (piano); Rebecca Evans (soprano), Peter Hoare (tenor), Orchestra and Chorus of Welsh National Opera/Sir Charles Mackerras; Academy of St Martin in the Fields/Sir Neville Marriner
Recording: April 1980, Kingsway Hall, London; February & October 1953, Kingsway Hall, London; September 1996, Abbey Road Studios, London; April 1993, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea; January 1977, St John’s, Smith Square, London
Label: DECCA
Frederick Delius, an enigmatic figure in the landscape of British music, often eludes easy categorization. His works resonate with a lush, impressionistic quality, inviting listeners into a world where sound paints vivid images of nature and emotion. The newly reissued double CD set from Decca, part of the British Music Collection, showcases a selection of Delius’s most celebrated compositions, performed by distinguished orchestras and soloists of the 20th century. This compilation not only serves as a testament to Delius’s creative genius but also provides insight into the interpretative nuances offered by notable conductors like Richard Hickox, Anthony Collins, and Sir Neville Marriner.
The performances are a study in contrasts, particularly with Collins’s interpretations from 1953, where the conductor’s understanding of Delius’s intricate textures shines through. His reading of “Paris: The Song of a Great City” reveals the challenges inherent in capturing the work’s sprawling impressionism; Collins deftly navigates the work’s delicate nuances and vibrant colors, though the sound quality inevitably reflects its age, lacking the warmth and depth that modern recordings can provide. The orchestral sound in “In a Summer Garden” is particularly evocative yet occasionally feels muted, missing the sonic bloom that is so critical to Delius’s orchestration. Nevertheless, Collins’s ability to conjure a dreamy atmosphere is commendable, and the languid phrasing he employs suits the music’s inherent lyricism.
Following Collins, Richard Hickox’s interpretation of “Sea Drift” is a highlight, featuring the rich baritone of John Shirley-Quirk. Hickox brings a palpable intensity to the score, blending the lush orchestral backdrop with the poignant vocal line seamlessly. This performance stands as a benchmark, capturing the essence of Delius’s reflective and often melancholic style, while the engineering allows for a clear delineation of the orchestral colors, a rare feat given the vintage of the recording. The interplay between voice and orchestra here is particularly well-balanced, showcasing the emotive power of Delius’s writing.
Julian Lloyd Webber’s contribution with the “Cello Sonata” is another standout, where his refined technique and deep musicality shine. Accompanied sensitively by Bengt Forsberg, Webber’s interpretations breathe life into this relatively underperformed work. The dialogue between cello and piano is finely articulated, with Webber’s lyrical phrasing capturing the spirit of Delius’s melodic lines. The recording quality is notably superior here, reflecting the advancements in engineering by the time of the 1996 session.
Sir Charles Mackerras’s direction of “A Song of the High Hills” reveals the expansive and often rugged landscape Delius depicts. With the Welsh National Opera and Chorus, he evokes both the grandeur and subtlety of the Norwegian scenery that inspired the composer. The vocalists, Rebecca Evans and Peter Hoare, deliver commendable performances, though some climactic moments feel slightly congested, diminishing the full impact of Delius’s sweeping orchestral climaxes.
Sir Neville Marriner’s performances of orchestral miniatures are characterized by their vivacity and clarity, especially in “La Calinda” and “A Song before Sunrise,” where the Academy of St Martin in the Fields demonstrates an admirable agility. These recordings, dating from 1977, benefit from a more modern sound quality, allowing for a vibrant articulation of rhythm and an engaging interplay of textures.
This double CD encapsulates the rich tapestry of Delius’s work, presenting a blend of historical and modern interpretations that may leave some listeners wanting for a more cohesive sonic experience. While some recordings exhibit limitations in sound quality reflective of their era, the artistic merit of the performances shines through. The absence of certain key works, such as “Appalachia,” is a regrettable oversight that detracts from an otherwise compelling collection. Nonetheless, the breadth of performances included offers a valuable exploration of Delius’s oeuvre, making this release a significant addition to the discography of British classical music.
