Interpreted by Gordon Bryan
John Ireland: Amberley Wild Brooks; Ragamuffin; April; Soho Forenoons
John Ireland was born at Bowdon, in Cheshire, in 1879. He has written music in most branches, vocal and instrumental, but by far the greatest part of his output up to the present has been Chamber Music, Piano Music, and Songs.
The adjective 'rugged' is commonly used in describing his music. It applies especially to his larger instrumental works. His Songs (and, indeed, his Piano pieces) have far more of the quality of definite charm.
Amberley Wild Brooks is a brisk little outdoor picture Ragamuffin is one of three London Pieces. It is a delightful sketch of a Cockney urchin who goes his swaggering way, jauntily singing and whistling. As is the habit of such people, he repeats the same fragments of tune many times. At last he sings a bit of The Old Kent Road, and with a piercing whistle and a cheeky little gesture, disappears.
April is another pleasant mood-piece.
Soho Forenoons begins with a rhythm marked quasi Tambourine. We are in one of London's foreign quarters, amongst happy children, dancing to street music.