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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Like many other English composers of the first half of the 20th Century, John Ireland ignored the Second Viennese School and continued to compose works in the English pastoral tradition.
Ireland spent four years studying under Stanford at the Royal College of Music, and the earliest work on the disc - the Orchestral Poem in A minor - shows some of Stanford's, and thus Brahms' influence. But there is a bigger voice that reminds me of Finzi, though Ireland was his predecessor.
The two major works on this disc - A Downland Suite, and Concertino Pastorale - are shot through with that sense of loss which the seems to be central this genre.
Lovers of this 'school' of English music are once again indebted to Richard Hickox - and Chandos - for keeping alive this unjustly neglected music.
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I was so happy to find this CD after hearing one of John Ireland's works played on the radio. Having always wondered what his music was like, I bought the CD based solely on the "Two Symphonic Studies." The performances are flawless on this disk, and it's a shame that more people aren't exposed to this great man's music. Of all his works, the "Elegy" from "A Downland Suite" stands out as the most moving and well crafted. This is easy, accesible music, full of heart and soul--a veritable lush garden of sounds and textures guaranteed to please. Romantic and full of life, Ireland's music is like nothing else. Please give this CD a chance and try this wonderful man's music, then share it with your friends.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
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3 reviews
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
A Great Introduction to an Overlooked Composer
24 Feb 2000
Format: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
Beautiful music...excellent recording
9 May 2001
Format: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.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Classic English Classical Music
10 Jan 2010
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
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