Delius On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring RPO Sir Thomas Beecham

[emilyrocksyer]

I heard this for the first time yesterday and fell in love!

[PacRimJim]

The pastoral beauty of Delius' music belied the hell of his private life, which was destroyed by syphilis he picked up as a young man. Toward the end, he had to use bodily motions to dictate his music to his amanuensis, Eric Fenby. Read Fenby's biography of Delius. Beecham, Delius' big supporter in England--he was more popular in Germany--also wrote a good bio.

[steeeeevve]

Delius Viola Sonata now on YT.

[prisonerfan]

can anyone help me. Years ago I heard a piece of classical music and there was a REAL cuckoo on it. Not an instrument. I have tried to find it all this time, I wonder if it was a piece especially made for the radio show? thanks.

[PacRimJim]

@prisonerfan The piece you're thinking of is The Pines of Rome by Ottorino Respighi, which has plays a cuckoo recording during the performance.

[boxers7x5]

@PacRimJim Respighi calls for a nightingale recording.

[dolphins759]

@prisonerfan It might be the Fountains of Rome by Respighi

[prisonerfan]

@dolphins759 thank you for replying. I bought Respighi's Pines of Rome as there is a cuckoo on that, however it was an instrument that made the cuckoo call. The tune I heard had a real cuckoo. I feel that maybe it had been especially made for the radio? I have researched this and when Respighi wrote it, it was intended to have a cuckoo singing. I may have to admit defeat on this one!! thanks again

[bobpremier]

Such an evocative and beautiful piece of music...

[steeeeevve]

@bobpremier Try his Viola Sonata on YT now!

[elitept]

Delightful and exquisite.

[Doubleringer]

beauitful