(Section B) leader, Paul Beard
Conducted by Clarence Raybould
Liszt's symphonic poem ' Les Preludes ' is based on Lamartine's ' Meditations poetiques ': ' What is life but a series of preludes to that unknown song whose initial solemn note is tolled by Death ? The enchanted dawn of every life is love ; but where is the destiny on whose first delicious joys some storm does not break ?-a storm whose deadly blast disperses youth's illusions, whose fatal bolt consumes its altar. And what soul, thus cruelly bruised when the tempest rolls away, seeks not to rest its memories in the calm of rural life ?
' Yet man allows himself not long to taste the quietness that first attracted him to Nature's lap ; but when the trumpet gives the signal he hastens to danger's post, whatever be the fight which draws him to its lists, that in the strife he may once more regain full knowledge of himself and all his strength.'