John Ireland: A Downland Suite

John [British Composer] Ireland (Composer), Richard Hickox (Conductor), London Sinfonia (Orchestra), City of London Sinfonia (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: London Sinfonia, City of London Sinfonia
• Conductor: Richard Hickox
• Composer: John [British Composer] Ireland
• Audio CD (August 22, 1995)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Chandos
• ASIN: B000000AX3
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #83,982 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #65 in Music > Classical > Forms & Genres > Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music > Marches

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Introduction to an Overlooked Composer, February 24, 2000

By 

John Halbrooks (New Orleans, LA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: John Ireland: A Downland Suite (Audio CD)

John Ireland once joked that his orchestral poem "Forgotten Rite" should have been called "Forgotten Quite." This disc, however, is sure to convince listeners that his music should not be forgotten. A Downland Suite, with its pastoral feel, recalls early Vaughan Williams, and its lyricism sounds fresh in the hands of Hickox and the City of London Sinfonia.

The Rest of the disc contains much interesting listening as well. The Concerto Pastorale is a beautiful example of the English Pastoral School. The Orchestral Poem is a premier recording of an early work. It sounds somewhat Brahmsian, but it indicates Ireland's early mastery of orchestration.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful music...excellent recording, May 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: John Ireland: A Downland Suite (Audio CD)

I first encountered the music of John Ireland a few years ago through a CD I borrowed from a local library (it was one of the cello sonatas, I believe) and I was mesmerized by its beauty. I bought this CD on a whim and it has given me much enjoyment during the time I have had it. The music is engaging, lyrical and beautifully recorded. I especially like the Orchestral Poem, the Dowland Suite and the Threnody from the Concertino Pastorale. If you like Elgar and Vaughan Williams check this out...you'll love it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic English Classical Music, January 9, 2010

By 

D. Thompson (Menlo Park, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: John Ireland: A Downland Suite (Audio CD)

If you don't know John Ireland: A Downland Suite, you are about to experience the lushness of the British countryside on a warm summer's day. How else to explain the emotional pull of such a beautifully rich, sweeping musical narrative? Even though Mr. Ireland's career was centered mainly in London, I sense the open vistas and fresh air of the more rural places in England when I listen to this favorite.