John Ireland, Sarnia, iii) 'Song of the Springtides' played by Eric Parkin

John Ireland completed 'Sarnia', a suite of three pieces, in 1941 and it was to be his last major piano work. The music was inspired by his short-lived residence in Guernsey, an island that he loved, and Ireland's sense of the past is reflected in his use of the Roman name for Guernsey - 'Sarnia'.

The third movement 'Song of the Springtides' carries a quotation from the poet Algernon Swinburne: "Upon the flowery forefront of the year/One wandering by the grey-green April sea .../Along the foam-flowered strand/Breeze-brightened... " The piano writing is colourful and brilliant, almost Debussy-like in its evocation of the sea.

Eric Parkin, who studied Ireland's music with the composer, made this recording of 'Sarnia' in 1978.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• John Ireland
• Sarnia
• Song of the Springtides
• Eric Parkin
• paulprocopolis

[pianopera]

Very nice! Thanks for introducing me to this song (yes, now I can say "song" to this piece!) and this pianist, both new to me.

[paulprocopolis]

@pianopera :-)) !