Description
Book SynopsisThe first comprehensive study of the music of Frederick Delius (1862-1934), from his earliest pieces up to his final compositions, with background information and a complete list of works. There are many biographies and articles about Frederick Delius's life (1862-1934), but there has never been a comprehensive book about his music until now. Everything he wrote, from his earliest compositions right up to his finalworks, is analysed here; the history and background of each work and its critical reception are all examined, set against events in Delius's life and the wider musical world. The book contains numerous music examples and quotations from many contemporary newspapers and journals. A complete list of all of Delius's works, with catalogue numbers, and a select bibliography are also provided. MARTIN LEE-BROWNE is the Chairman of The Delius Society, a former Chairman of the Gloucester Three Choirs Festival, and author of The Life & Times of Frederic Austin (1996). PAUL GUINERY is a pianist and associate of the Royal College of Music, as well as a former broadcaster for BBC Radio 3 and co-author (with Lyndon Jenkins) of Delius and Fenby, A Photographic Journey (The Delius Society, 2004).
Trade ReviewThis is surely the book on the music of Frederick Delius that those intrigued or alternatively puzzled by his music have been waiting for ... it deserves to make many converts among the legions of Delius-doubters ... I wish all writing on music were as helpful and user-friendly ... Surely destined to be the standard volume for many years to come. * INTERNATIONAL RECORD REVIEW *
The richness of material is going to provide a base for scholars for many years to come ... [the book is ideal for] audiences who already know about Delius's music, people who don't know any Delius but are intrigued and also die hard Delius scholars who need to go back and look at these pieces with fresh eyes and fresh ears. * BBC RADIO 3, MUSIC MATTERS *
This book will appeal to a wide range of listeners, from committed Delians to those who as yet know little about Delius ... an excellent guide. * SPIRITED MAGAZINE, ENGLISH MUSIC FESTIVAL *
Unique and fascinating to read about. Recommended. * CHOICE *
Indispensable for all lovers of Delius's music. [Four stars]. * BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE *
Splendid and long-awaited biography ... This is the first time that such a comprehensive survey of the composer's music has been documented, chronologically sequenced and analyzed within a biographical framework. As such it will be avidly welcomed by Delius devotees. * MUSIC WEB INTERNATIONAL *
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1862-1888: Youth 1888-1892: The Young Composer in Paris 1893-1901: Coming to Maturity 1902-1905: The Great Noontide & Beecham 1906-1910: Acceptance and Friends 1911-1914: Inspiration Unabated 1915-1918: Winding Down 1919-1934: Fenby and the Last Years The Songs 1934 and After Appendix 1: Delius's works in chronological order: Part 1 - Orchestral, vocal & chamber works; Part 2 - Songs Appendix 2: Delius's Diploma and Reports from The Leipzig Konservatorium Appendix 3: Programmes for the 1929 and 1946 Festivals Selected further reading
