John Ireland arr. Composer/G. Bush : A Downland Suite for string orchestra (1932 arr. 1941/1978)

[@moistnar]

I. Prelude: 0:00 II. Elegy: 4:25 III. Minuet: 9:25 IV. Rondo: 14:06

[@robertfrankgill5962]

First time I've ever heard the prelude or rondo. The Elegy and the Minuet are wonderful. I had these on the old Lyrita LP. I must now investigate the original Downland Suite for Brass Band.

[@desallen2174]

Thank you for this post. Strangely, this is the first time I've heard the whole suite. Very familiar with the minuet but not the other three movements. A discovery.

[@maxmerry8470]

The "Elegy" and "Minuet" are, without doubt, close to perfection while the "Rondo" is mesmerising! Beautiful string music....

[@steveegallo3384]

Max Merry -- Even more poignant on 10th hearing..............

[@hifaso]

It would be a sin if the string orchestra version didn't exist. It seems to me that Ireland was not quite aware of his ability as an arranger.

[@johannesbluemink4581]

Such fine music. I have listened to the Minuet so many times and it still gives me creeps. So gorgeous!

[@roblingelbach]

I too am mesmerized by the Minuet, I'm afraid of wearing it out.

[@johannesbluemink4581]

@@roblingelbach Sorry, it took so long to reply. I'm certain you didn't!

[@roblingelbach]

Minuet gives me chills. Cello and Bass parts are like wow.

[@sethgriffith4670]

you are stupid it is horrible to play

[@freddywhite3455]

If you enjoy this work, please take a sneak peak at this extract from my Folksong Suite, due for release on 18th October: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqW8qqCImqiLedk

[@BradWatsonMiami]

Is this all composed by John Ireland? I'm just now discovering him. He's the first English impressionist I've encountered. I'm a timpanist/percussion and need to hear some cowbell.

[@John_Fugazzi]

The first CD I ever bought was the Downland suite with Garforth and the ECO. This is another fine version.

[@CONDACOCLIPS]

Who publishes the conductors score of this???

[@f.b.1311]

The added introduction to the elegy is pure gold!

[@marialisduarte1223]

Precioso !!!!!!!!!!!

[@robertfrankgill5962]

Wait a moment. Isn't that Mary and Sailor of Overlanders in the Prelude at 1:44?

[@andrewnorris2]

My favourite piece of music of all time. Discovering this coincided with my first seeing the film A Canterbury Tale (1944) by Powell/Pressburger in the late 80s and then seeing an exhibition at the Barbican in London around 1987 of the Neo-Romantic painters. There seemed for me some kind of parallel between the atmosphere of painters, composers and film makers working around that time. I experienced a kind of epiphany back then and the memory of which has never left me, and continues to inspire my creative attitude and outlooks.

[@maggieliu6726]

2:46

[@johnsharp8632]

First heard this wonderful suite in the 1960s in the version for brass band which is also truly excellent. A beautiful piece in both formats. A distillation of the English countryside.