Dorothy McLure (Soprano) John Thorne (Baritone)
The Station Orchestra, conducted by Joseph Lewis
There are many traces of Irish idiom in this Symphony - the use of old scales or modes, of a characteristic dance form (the Jig), and of old Irish melodies.'
There are four Movements.
FIRST MOVEMENT. The First Main Tune, which Strings at once softly give out, has a germ of development in it - those opening four rising notes, and the inverted form of them in the third bar. Of this four-note theme, either standing on its feet or its head, much use is made throughout the Movement.
The Second Main Tune, in calmer style, sung out by 'Cellos, starts fairly high up, while the Woodwind accompanies.
This matter forms the basis of the Movement.
SECOND MOVEMENT. Here is the Jig-one of the type called the 'Hop-jig.' It has three beats in the bar, whereas the normal jig has two. It begins with a long-held note, after the manner of Irish fiddlers.
The Middle Section of the Movement is based on a charming, song-like theme heard on the Clarinets. After it, the opening Jig is repeated.
THIRD MOVEMENT. A preliminary nourish suggests the improvisation of an Irish harperbard. In its course, bits of the Movement's leading themes are hinted at.
The Clarinets have the First Main Tune as a duet, and a solo Oboe presents the Second Main Tune, while the Violas use repeatedly a little rhythmic motif of four notes - a fragment of the ancient Irish Lament of the Sons of Usnack.
With alternation and development of these ideas the Movement wends its way.
LAST MOVEMENT. Here two of the tunes are well-known Irish airs. After an Introduction, Remember the Glories of Brian the Brave leads off, first in the Violas, and soon declaimed by the Full Orchestra.
A second theme, announced by Strings (in their low register), Bassoons and Horns, is Stanford's own.
Then the other traditional tune is softly given out by the Trumpets - that of The Little Red Fox, set to the words, 'Let Erin remember the days of old.' These ingredients make an exhilarating brew.
