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From the Carlton Restaurant

Frank Thomas (Violin); Ronald Harding (Violoncello); Hubert Pengelly (Pianoforte)

Although this Trio, produced when he was nearly thirty, is now counted as the earliest of John Ireland's works, he had composed a good deal before that, and in many different forms. The fact that he withdrew all those earlier pieces is typical of his anxiety that none of his music should be given to the public unless it is in every way worthy. The same scrupulous care explains the comparatively small number of his works which we have, and the high standard which every one reaches. He has never been good at advertising his own creations, and they have won their way to favour, gaining him a really distinguished place in the very front rank of present-day British music, largely in spite of his own personal modesty.
The Fantasy Trio presents no difficulty at all to the listener. From beginning to end it is frankly melodious, and its themes are all good going tunes which are easily remembered. There are four sections, although the work is played without a break. The violoncello begins the first with a fine, broad melody, which the violin afterwards takes up. It is heard more than once at later stages of the Trio, notably in the third section, which is largely a repetition of the first. The second is the only slow part, and the last is very lively.

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