EJ Moeran

[aligreto]

I have had minimal exposure to the music of EJ Moeran until now. I now have four albums which will get me properly initiated into and somewhat familiar with his music. This CD is the first of them.





Overture for a Masque: This is buoyant and somewhat celebratory music. This work also demonstrates to me that the composer had a keen sense of orchestration.

In the Mountain Country: This music is both lyrical and atmospheric. I find it to be quite evocative.

Rhapsody No. 1: Here, again, we have lyrical and atmospheric music [very much traditional or folk based] which is enhanced by very good orchestration. The music and its direction here is broad and expansive.

Rhapsody No. 2: The Irish influence of the folk music and indeed the landscape of Ireland that very much flavours this music is very much apparent. However, it is the quality of his orchestration that makes it particularly atmospheric and evocative for me. It is lush and full sounding without sounding sentimental in any way whatsoever. That aspect is both engaging and appealing.

Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra: The same basic formula of folk based music enhanced by good orchestration is employed here. However, this time the musical language is more adventurous and complex, particularly in the voice of the piano. When compared with the other works on this album, this work has a complexion of its own which is quite engaging and intriguing. The slow movement/section is particularly appealing for me.

[vandermolen]

You might also enjoy this CD Fergus:

[Irons]

My own opinion, for which I provide ample support in my book, is that In the Mountain Country is an assured, original and imaginative work that effectively paints a tone picture of the landscape that inspired it.

Fergus, it was the quote above posted on this thread by the author of a Moeran biography that inspired me to purchase the Falletta CD. Something I have not regretted. I may me mistaken but I seem to recall him of the opinion that "In the Mountain Country" one of his favourite Moeran works. You never know HotFXMan may come out of the shadows to confirm that.

[Szykneij]

This thread motivated me to revisit the one and only Moeran CD I own. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it. I'm not sure if this particular recording has already been mentioned. Rereading much of the thread, I didn't see it but could have missed it.

I find the Fantasy Quartet for Oboe and Strings" to be the most interesting piece on the CD. Basically, one of the violins of a string quartet is replaced by the oboe, giving the composer a broader timbral palette to work with. The result sounds to me very concerto-like.

I find the difference in mood and compositional style between the String Quartet No. 1 (bright, pastoral, and harmonic) and the Sonata for Violin and Piano (more dissonant and dark) striking for two works composed so closely together in time. The beautiful cello lines starting and ending the first movement of the String Quartet might be seeds of his later cello compositions.

[vandermolen]

This thread motivated me to revisit the one and only Moeran CD I own. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it. I'm not sure if this particular recording has already been mentioned. Rereading much of the thread, I didn't see it but could have missed it.

I find the Fantasy Quartet for Oboe and Strings" to be the most interesting piece on the CD. Basically, one of the violins of a string quartet is replaced by the oboe, giving the composer a broader timbral palette to work with. The result sounds to me very concerto-like.

I find the difference in mood and compositional style between the String Quartet No. 1 (bright, pastoral, and harmonic) and the Sonata for Violin and Piano (more dissonant and dark) striking for two works composed so closely together in time. The beautiful cello lines starting and ending the first movement of the String Quartet might be seeds of his later cello compositions.

That's a very fine Moeran CD which I have also enjoyed.

[aligreto]

You might also enjoy this CD Fergus:

Thank you for the recommendation, Jeffrey.

[aligreto]

Fergus, it was the quote above posted on this thread by the author of a Moeran biography that inspired me to purchase the Falletta CD. Something I have not regretted. I may me mistaken but I seem to recall him of the opinion that "In the Mountain Country" one of his favourite Moeran works. You never know HotFXMan may come out of the shadows to confirm that.

Interesting. Lol.
Yes, that Falletta CD is excellent.

[Albion]

Moeran is now pretty much only remembered for his splendid Symphony in G minor (1926-37) but there are three excellent Chandos discs assembled from their catalogue covering virtually all the major works



(CH 10235X, CH 10169X and CH 10168X)

and there is an excellent centenary documentary broadcast in 1994...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_whHkIQ0A8

Moeran's music is well worth getting to know and the Chandos recordings are all excellent under Vernon Handley and Norman Del Mar. Supplement these with the Chandos recording of the choral suite Phyllida and Corydon (CHAN 9182) and the fascinating "realisation" of Symphony No.2 by Martin Yates on Dutton (CDLX 7281).

 

[Maestro267]

It's true though, and even then it's not like concert programmers are stumbling over themselves to programme the symphony. We as a collective are not representative of *everyone*.

[Irons]

Worth posting for photo alone.



Although I will follow other "parts" with interest.

https://landofllostcontent.blogspot.com/2024/07/exploring-ej-moerans-chamber-music-part.html

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Worth posting for photo alone.



Although I will follow other "parts" with interest.

https://landofllostcontent.blogspot.com/2024/07/exploring-ej-moerans-chamber-music-part.html

Who is the gentleman on the left (I recognize the other two.)?

PD

[Roasted Swan]

Who is the gentleman on the left (I recognize the other two.)?

PD

The great man Arnold Bax! (I'm impressed that you know Tilly Fleischmann)

Obviously not at the time of this photo - Bax was staying with the Fleishmanns when he had his fatal heart attack which is why - rather appropriately - he is buried in Ireland.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

The great man Arnold Bax! (I'm impressed that you know Tilly Fleischmann)

I had thought that that was Peers Coetmore!   

PD

[Roasted Swan]

I had thought that that was Peers Coetmore! 

PD

Here is Peers with Moeran.....

[calyptorhynchus]

Worth posting for photo alone.



Although I will follow other "parts" with interest.

https://landofllostcontent.blogspot.com/2024/07/exploring-ej-moerans-chamber-music-part.html

I expect Moeran and Bax will soon be off for a drink!

[Irons]

Funny how that generation always wore a collar and tie and yet looked so scruffy.

[calyptorhynchus]

Funny how that generation always wore a collar and tie and yet looked so scruffy.

That's cos they wore their suits all the time, not just for weddings, funerals and job interviews.

[Luke]

Another great Moeran+1 photo: with John Ireland near Stalham:

[Luke]

....in passing, interesting that in 37 pages there's no mention of the piano music at all apart from Stalham River halfway down a list of HotFXman's favourite Moeran pieces!

[calyptorhynchus]

Another great Moeran+1 photo: with John Ireland near Stalham:

Again with the suits, obviously the perfect attire for boating (who needs life jackets?)

As to the piano music, although no one has mentioned it, it is very good, one of the best pieces being Stalham River.