Frederick Delius and Peter Warlock

A Friendship Revealed

By: Barry Smith (Editor)

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Hardcover | 1 March 1999

At a Glance

Hardcover
572 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
24.3 x 16.4 x 3.5

Hardcover

RRP $371.00

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The Eton schoolboy, Philip Heseltine (Peter Warlock), was not yet 17 when he first met his musical hero Frederick Delius at a concert of his works given by Sir Thomas Beecham at Queen's Hall in 1911. The next day he wrote an ecstatic letter to Delius enthusing over `such perfect performances of such perfect music'. Flattered and intrigued by the young admirer, Delius replied in warm and encouraging terms. And so began a correspondence that was to last until Heseltine's untimely death in 1930. It is fortunate that each composer kept the others' letters and, now placed in chronological order, they give a fascinating picture, not only of the two men and their music, but also of musical life in England and Europe. In their often frank writing the characters and interaction of the two men is highlighted and in their informal and often gossipy way they illuminate the musical life and many personalities of the time. Barry Smith, the author of a recent highly regarded biography of Peter Warlock, has fully researched the background of the correspondence and by means of generous annotations and linking narrative has produced a compelling story of an unusual and unique friendship between two composers.

Industry Reviews

`The letters are admirably edited by Barry Smith ... and he copes heroically with Delius's dash-ridden punctuation. And OUP has elegantly produced an illuminating book.' Robert Ponsonby `an absorbing commentary upon the Delius-Heseltine bibliography.' Robert Ponsonby, BBC Music Magazine `the correspondence is fascinating ... Including excellent editorial notes and introductions, this superbly edited volume is highly recommended for experts and novices alike.' W Metcalfe, Choice `Smith's editing is exemplary. There is just enough introductory matter to set the scene year by year, and Smith disarms criticism and keeps at bay any dull search for misprints by attributing all such to the correspondent's failure to spell properly.' Robert Anderson, TLS `There is much to entertain in the letters, as well as food for thought.' Robert Anderson, TLS `Who better equipped than Barry Smith to bring together this comprehensive and highly illuminating collection of nearly 400 letters, most of which have not hitherto appeared in print ... illuminating ... This volume of nearly 500 pages, including 13 photos, is a stimulating - if sometimes unsettling - read, well worth the wait. It's certainly a major addition to the Delius/Warlock canon.' John Bishop, Peter Warlock Society Newsletter, no 66, 2000.

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