Brian Leahy plays Percy Grainger's "Colonial Song"

[trentmuch1]

This piece is divine. Beecham made a (rare) mistake.

As much as I can hear Grainger's desire to capture the feel of the American Western Frontier, I can also hear a proud and independent Australianism.

If you'll forgive my glibness - It's the 'ker-plunk' descendant notes in the bass that make me think of the wild outback!

I know it was originally intended for his Mother, but Grainger's still managed to paint an original with oils from a dozen palettes.

[brianCIM]

@trentmuch1 very very true. Grainger talked and wrote alot about his desire to create an Australian music like Stephen Foster did for American music. I am so glad you enjoyed it! I record all this stuff in my living room so it is very hard to duplicate my "concert hall" sound. Check out my recording of "The Sussex Mummers Christmas Carol". that was recorded in recital by recording technicians.

[brianCIM]

thanks for listening Paul. your comments always brighten my day!

[paulostroff99]

Even first class tools opinions should be respected if not appreciated for their sometimes brutal delivery.

[brianCIM]

@paulostroff99 lol. i truly love Beecham, one of the very greatest conductors, as well being one of the most amiable and definitely the funniest. I love him to death but here i think he was wrong. His auto-biography is a great read in the same way Rubinstein's is. Very hard to put down.