This recording follows the tradition set by Sir Thomas Beecham and Sir Malcolm Sargent of placing the interval for A Mass of Life between movements II and III of Part 2.
Composition History
Delius's A Mass of Life, though dating from 1904-05, had its concluding section performed earlier in London in 1899.
Notable Performances
The complete A Mass of Life was first performed in London on June 7, 1909, conducted by Thomas Beecham, who championed the work throughout his life.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Delius, who scorned traditional religions, was devoted to Nietzsche's concept of man as a 'superman' and selected passages from Nietzsche's text that suited his musical vision.
Composer Biography
Frederick Delius, the composer, was deeply influenced by the writings of the poet and philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, particularly his work Also Sprach Zarathustra.
Composition History
The Prelude and Idyll on this album originated from Delius's discarded 1902 opera Margot la Rouge, with a new text by Robert Nichols based on Walt Whitman's poems.
Compositional Technique
A Mass of Life employs four soloists and large choral and orchestral forces across eleven movements, with the baritone soloist embodying Zarathustra and having the largest share of the work.
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