Mimi Ezust <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>Would someone tell me about this work, please.  How long is it? What are
>some good recordings? Is it scored for full orchestra? What does it sound
>like? If it is on a cd with other pieces, what are they?

I have an old LP conducted by Boult, but I think that the currently
available versions are:

A.Davis conducting the BBC SO (with "The Planets")  Teldec

Lloyd-Smith conducts the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (with Somerset
Rhapsody; Beni Mora; Invocation; Fugal Overture; Hammersmith)  Naxos

Previn conducting the London SO (with "The Perfect Fool" and "The Planets")
Angel

and also one released by CBC, with Elgar's Cockaigne, Vaughan Williams's
Lark Ascending, Walton's suite from Facade...

The work itself is nearly as remote from The Planets (except
maybe Saturne?) as Holst can be.  It is a subdued, but by no means
impressionistic or light, evocation of the Moors, and was conceived as
a tribute to, and musical equivalent of Hardy's world, as far as I know.
The duration is about 13 minutes.  This is a demanding work, absolutely
no background music, but belongs to the most intense and pithy Holst.
British music specialists will certainly elaborate further on the list!

Best wishes,

Thanh-Tam Le
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