Album insights
Frederick Delius is widely recognized for his orchestral works such as "Brigg Fair" and "On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring." However, singing voices held a significant place in his musical repertoire with over 62 songs composed with piano accompaniment. These songs included adaptations of Norwegian, Danish, English, German, French, and Swedish poems. More than any other native English composer, Delius' songs and the poems he chose reflected the cosmopolitan life of an artist fluent in English, German, Norwegian, and French.
Born in Bradford, England to German parents, Delius spent most of his life outside England, ultimately settling in Grez-sur-Loing, near Fontainebleau, France. Despite reluctantly apprenticing in his father's wool trade business for three and a half years, he traveled abroad occasionally, deepening his passion for music. His experiences in France, Sweden, and Norway, especially the spiritual connection he felt with Norway, influenced his musical journey significantly. During his time in America in 1884, where he pretended to manage an orange plantation, Delius composed his first notable songs based on Norwegian and Danish texts, hinting at his departure from English musical conventions.
In 1886, after spending over two years in America, Delius enrolled at the Leipzig Conservatory, where he cultivated valuable friendships, particularly with Scandinavian musicians and artists. His friendship with the Norwegian composer Christian Sinding was pivotal, introducing him to Edvard and Nina Grieg. The bond with the Griegs inspired Delius to delve deeper into composing songs, leading to collections dedicated to Nina Grieg. Delius' close association with Grieg's music encouraged him to continue in this genre, reflecting a harmonious blend of their styles and shared influences.
Delius later established Paris as his home for eleven years, forming connections with notable artists and writers, including Paul Gauguin, Edvard Munch, and August Strindberg. His compositions based on French poetry by Paul Verlaine captured a reflective and contemplative essence, showcasing a different aspect of his musical expression. The melodious adaptation of verse from W. E. Henley and Fiona Macleod's poetry demonstrated Delius' versatility and sensitivity to diverse literary themes.
During his time in Germany, Delius gained recognition for his compositions before returning to England. His settings of Friedrich Nietzsche and Heinrich Heine's poetry showcased a departure from traditional German art songs, influenced by philosophical writings and personal connections. The evocative nature of the songs, intertwined with the essence of the poems, highlighted Delius' unique approach to musical storytelling across different cultures and contexts.
Delius' exploration of various poetic sources, including adaptations of Scandinavian, French, English, and German texts, speaks to his diverse influences and innovative spirit in the realm of art song composition. His keen attention to lyrical translations and musical nuances underscored his commitment to preserving the essence and beauty of each poetic work within his musical creations.