The Season Sings A Song Of Summer

In the midst of summer, be it morning, evening, in the mountains or on the coast, there is no better symphonic capture of the season than A Song of Summer, by Frederick Delius. This performance by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is under the baton of Eric Fenby who as a young man was captured by Delius's music.

 By 1928 the composer was blind and almost completely paralyzed. Fenby responded by moving to France to become his amanuensis. For the next six years - Delius died in 1933 - Fenby dedicated his life to writing compositions from Delius's stream of often overwhelming dictation. Out of all the stress, frustration, and endless revision came some of the most evocative music of our time.

Frederick Delius in 1907

Without Fenby, I'd say it is safe to conclude we would be without A Song of Summer.