Customer Reviews

John Ireland: A Downland Suite

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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.

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.

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.