Frederick Delius - A Song before Sunrise

[CurzonRoad]

((((((((((( Thank you! )))))))))))

[papoosegirl1]

The Song of Summer a 1968 film by Ken Russell is well worth watching. It depicts the last five years of Delius's life when Eric Fenby was his amanuensis (which you probably all know)

[titusbeertsen]

@papoosegirl1 I agree with you completely; not only is it a honest account of their relation, but it also an excellent film from a filmlovers' standpoint. Highly recommended.

[papoosegirl1]

@titusbeertsen thank you...such a shame that Ken Russell passed away last week. Hopefully they may have a season of his films on the BBC (like this one)

[stickwagger]

Go and see the grave. Nearby is Beecham, Norman Del Mar and also the ashes of the great clarinettist Jack Brymer who featued in the RPO recordings of Delius' music. The church is Limpsfield in Surrey.

[PacRimJim]

I can recommend two biographies, one by Eric Fenby, his amanuensis when he suffered from syphilis, and Thomas Beecham, his conductor and champion.

How Delius managed to dictate music while paralyzed with general paresis was amazing. Beauty in the midst of hell.

[1401JSC]

Even birds don't sing before sunrise!

[deepintheforestcat]

@1401JSC Don't know where you live but where I live, birds DO sing before sunrise. As a matter of fact, I'm looking out of the window now, early morning, and it's still very dark outside but the birds are awake and are singing away.

[craigwalters]

I fell in love with Delius years ago and am always on the look-out for recordings of his music. Thanks for posting this. It's very beautiful

[Baruchyoseph8]

Also my favourite ... but, strange as it sounds - I have a whole bunch of favourites by Delius - his music sneaks up - at times sounds simple, but isn't ... Beecham had his own style ... and at one point seems to have done most of the recordings ... not sure of what the "hash' is ... once again, thanks for posting this.

[moosatious]

It's literally supposed to be a rooster crowing in the morning-- Delius himself supposedly said so. I've heard real crows before, and it's not quite that fast. Try Barbirolli or Fenby. If I am not mistaken it was the first of the Delius-Fenby works. Pretty sure he recorded it. Beecham had his own approach to Delius, which isn't the only approach. Norman Del Mar was a wonderful Delius conductor as well. There used to be a cd of a live Mass of Life with him. Not whether it's still available.

[naizret]

I love Delius and I confess I don't think Sir Thomas made a hash of the climax ... but anyway, lovely piece and Delius was a splendid, subtle musician

[genatzvalee]

I'm a big fan of this ravishing piece of music! It's so peaceful, clear and beautiful. Sounds exactly like the time before sunrise.

[Nick05000]

As one of the few young Bradfordians who share this opinion, I'd like to say I'm quite proud someone as talented as F.Delius came out our little cesspool.

[1401JSC]

@Nick05000

David Hockney.....

Bradford is not at all a cesspool: the Cathedral, the Alhambra, the moors nearby

[yamaho5]

Delius, what a joy to hear his music. I like his " Over the hills and far away best. I love the music of those old English guys.

[MissFortissimo101]

very nice song. Frederick Delius is a great composer. Sir Thomas Beechman is buried 10 meters away from him. Learn somethin new eveyday :-)