Ernst John Moeran was a well know figure in the 1st half of the twentieth century in England. He was acquainted to a large number of people that made out the “scene” of that time. Played a part in concert life, etc. But he was totally unknown to me when I first heard his name. It was a BBC radio drama on the end of his life, secluded in Ireland, sort of alcoholic, struggling with his health due to his injuries in WW1. I had no idea of his music and started listening. There is only one Symphony, in fact a limited symphonic output at all. But, but ….

 

It is really good music, and most important: highly original. I would say it is the colour of sound that strikes me most, especially the opening of his symphony. And yes, there is a lot of Folk Tunes, but only slightly recognizable as such! It is well written, original, melodic. So, simply said: good music!

 

Please listen to some of the tunes I have taken out of his symphony. Though not a great symphonist in the Tradition (but who is in that era, where is the music of the future heading?) it is a solid symphony, with a great IT in the 1st and 4th movement. Not hard to figure out, I would say!

 

Later I will add some more of his cello and violin concerto as well, this is a composer worth knowing!

 

And I will try to find this BBC radio drama, to download.