Frederick Delius

[Parsifal]

If you find the source of Delius' inspiration an aid to appreciating his music I would never try to convince you otherwise.  But for me the music is what it is.  Whether Delius found his muse in a state of illumination or in a mathematical formula does not influence how I perceive the music itself.

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

I agree with Parsifal. You are either touched by Delius's music or you remain indifferent to it. It's a matter of temperament. Sensuousness, beauty, ecstasy, melancholy - if you respond to those things, you're 'in', and reading up on Delius will then only enhance your love. But you can read all you like about a composer, if he doesn't speak to you, it's a useless undertaking as far as getting to like his music is concerned.

[Parsifal]

I don't want to give the impression that I am a Delius detractor.  I deeply enjoy his music, but if asked why I would try to reply with a technical description, something to do with the fact that he developed a unique way to construct music of exceptional poignancy from a tapestry of small motifs. 

[J]

You are either touched by Delius's music or you remain indifferent to it. It's a matter of temperament. Sensuousness, beauty, ecstasy, melancholy - if you respond to those things, you're 'in', and reading up on Delius will then only enhance your love. But you can read all you like about a composer, if he doesn't speak to you, it's a useless undertaking as far as getting to like his music is concerned.

Which I don't disagree with, and in fact implied in my last post.  What I suggested was that "IF you are captured by Delius's music" - THEN biographical understanding can potentially enrich the experience, as you say.  One can never read one's way into emotional resonance.

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

Well, then I think we're all in agreement here! Btw, I checked out samples of Charles Groves' recording of Songs of Sunset (EMI) on ClassicsOnline, and I really liked it. Does anybody here know that performance?

[J]

If you find the source of Delius' inspiration an aid to appreciating his music I would never try to convince you otherwise.  But for me the music is what it is.  Whether Delius found his muse in a state of illumination or in a mathematical formula does not influence how I perceive the music itself.

The music "is what it is" for me also, but probably I have a more holistic understanding of the substance of
"the music itself" - the IS of what it is ) than you do.  In any case, I renounced way back any inclination to indulge in philosophical debates here.  Your ideas are as good as mine. 

I still say Appalachia is Delius's most characteristic and inspired piece of work.   

[J]

Well, then I think we're all in agreement here! Btw, I checked out samples of Charles Groves' recording of Songs of Sunset (EMI) on ClassicsOnline, and I really liked it. Does anybody here know that performance?

I know and love it, - and find it unmatched by any other performance.  Baker & Shirley-Quirk are as close to perfect here as I can imagine.  In fact, next to Appalachia (with Hickox) this is my favorite Delius work and recording.  Both an "epitome" and an "epiphany" .

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

Aha! I thought as much. Janet Baker sounded wonderful!

[J]

One can never read one's way into emotional resonance.

With a character like Delius, the real danger is you could read your way OUT OF emotional resonance with his music, however .

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

Haha!

[J]

I've been finding a wealth of information and insight about Delius and his music in back issues of the
Delius Society Journal.  Probably for serious Delius afficionados only, however.  You can access them here:

http://www.delius.org.uk/pastjournals.htm

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

I didn't know those back issues were accessible for free, so - thank you!

[Octave]

Take a look at this compilation.  It is called ESSENTIAL DELIUS:

[asin]B005JD3E6A[/asin]

now take a look at the back cover with contents listed:





Is that snark?

[mc ukrneal]

Take a look at this compilation.  It is called ESSENTIAL DELIUS:

[asin]B005JD3E6A[/asin]

now take a look at the back cover with contents listed:





Is that snark?

Someone didn't pay attention to the scan. If you were interested, here is the content: http://www.allmusic.com/album/release/essential-delius-150th-anniversary-edition-mr0003488827

[Octave]

That's okay, I was just passing on a chuckle.  Thanks for the link, though!  Too bad Allmusic didn't list the performers.  Here they are:
http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/EMI/0842102
At a glance, I think I have all this in the 18cd Delius anniversary box.

[mc ukrneal]

That's okay, I was just passing on a chuckle.  Thanks for the link, though!  Too bad Allmusic didn't list the performers.  Here they are:
http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/EMI/0842102
At a glance, I think I have all this in the 18cd Delius anniversary box.

Then success - a big oops!

[kyjo]

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner. Frederick Delius is my favorite composer of all-time. He has knocked Shostakovich down to second place. Delius is my musical soulmate. It took me four years to realize this, but no other composer has had this long-term hold on me. I go through different phases sure, no doubt, but I always return to Delius. For me, there's Delius and then there's the rest.

John, I'm starting to worry about you!

[Mirror Image]

John, I'm starting to worry about you!

I told you I was on some heavy medication during this time.

[kyjo]

I told you I was on some heavy medication during this time.

Are you joking or being serious? I honestly can't tell. Apologies if I have upset you.

[Mirror Image]

Are you joking or being serious? I honestly can't tell. Apologies if I have upset you.

I'm joking, Kyle.