Ireland, John (1879-1962)

[Gary Freer]

Very interesting, thanks, Chris. Shame I didn't have those details when I visited - although the visit was very interesting in other respects: we visited a Roman Villa nearby. From some biographical details I downloaded a year ago, I rather gathered that Ireland was something of a recluse in his later years.

On a slightly tangential subject, I've long been fascinated by musical and other parallels between John Ireland and Frank Bridge. Both were born in the same year; both studied under Stanford; both turned from late 19th century Continental influences in their early works to an English pastoral idiom around the time of the First World War, influenced by Vaughan Williams and by Ravel - Bridge wrote admiringly of Ireland's "Forgotten Rite" as path making a new direction in English music - and while Bridge advanced considerably in terms of expanding his harmonic pallette after 1924, some of his few later works - and here I'm thinking of "Phantasm", written within a year of Ireland's PC, but especially the overture "Rebus" - display harmonic traits markedly in common with Ireland's. For those with recordings of music by both composers, it is well worthwhile playing the music of both composers consecutively and in chronological order. I have no idea whatsoever if they were friends or acquaintances. Bridge, too, lived in Sussex, though several miles to the east of Ireland, near to Newhaven, and we managed to locate his cottage. My own view, fwiw, is that Bridge was the more resourceful of the two composers, wkith an in-depth "feel" for sonata-type deployment and development of materials - one which Ireland by no means lacked, if one hears the very early Brahmsian chamber works, and the violin and piano sonatas from 1917/20, but which he seems to have forsaken in his later years. I sometimes wonder of Ireland felt daunted by the direction taken by his contemporary, and felt "left behind".

Just thought I'd raise this as of possible interest.

S-A

Another one - they both taught the young Britten. Ireland taught him at the RSCM - Britten was disdainful and went back to private lessons with Bridge.

[LMcD]

Talking of the infrequency with which his works were performed, JI referred to 'The May Not Be Done' and 'The Forgotten Quite' I have a wonderful 2-CD Chandos set featuring chamber works.

[ardcarp]

His Te Deum in F is a corker.

Sang it on Sunday..as the anthem at an evensong. Sadly, a lot of Te Deums have fallen silent with the demise of Mattins. An anthem slot is a good place for them. Ireland in F does get through the text quite quickly! One of my faves is Britten in C...an excellent piece.

[LMcD]

Quick reminder for admirers of John Ireland - tonight's Prom includes the Piano Concerto, played by Leon McCawley - on Radio 3 tonight and BBC4 tomorrow night.

[antongould]

Quick reminder for admirers of John Ireland - tonight's Prom includes the Piano Concerto, played by Leon McCawley - on Radio 3 tonight and BBC4 tomorrow night.

Thanks LMcD .... hadn’t picked this up .... one of my favourites ........

[BBMmk2]

Quick reminder for admirers of John Ireland - tonight's Prom includes the Piano Concerto, played by Leon McCawley - on Radio 3 tonight and BBC4 tomorrow night.

I’ll have a catch up. Been right busy this week.