John Foulds: April - England, Op. 48 No.1 (1926)

In a word: BRILLIANT! The central section choked me up, and I hope you feel the same way after listening to it.

John France of MusicWeb writes "This work, in its original piano solo form [very challenging], was composed (or at least completed) on 21 March 1926, which happened to be the Vernal Equinox. It was orchestrated in 1932 and received its first performance in this version in 1934. Yet this is not the full story: the orchestral version expands considerably on the original piano piece – especially in the complex and even ‘riotous’ middle section. It is here that we find the composer rejoicing in the beauty and diversity and freshness of spring".

This is another utterly lovely discovery for me. Many of my Subscribers will appreciate this striking work. It's shocking how contemporary it sounds!

The central section is GORGEOUS - indeed, the entire piece is crafted in a manner which showcases Foulds' expertise as musical technician.

One can hear echoes of VW, Tippett, Finzi and other English composers to come. I'd go so far as to say John Williams and many other film composers too.

I hope you enjoy is as much as I.

I took these photos in various parts of the Peak District, and in London.

Conductor: Sir Neville Marriner
Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
A DECCA Recording