Relayed from The Patti Pavilion, Swansea
National Orchestra of Wales
(Cerddorfa Genedlaethol Cymru)
Leader, Louis Levitus
Conducted by Warwick Braithwaite

The Dominions and Colonies are fond of telling us that their patriotism is of a more fervent order than ours at home, that only in the far corners of the Empire is love of the Mother Country fully understood. An Australian who was proposing the toast of 'the Immortal Memory' at a Burns dinner once affirmed as an instance of overseas sentiment that until he had heard the haggis played in by the pipes, and shared in the ceremonies that surround it, on Australian soil, no one could claim to be a really fervid Scot. Percy Grainger is a striking instance of that interest in the homeland. Born in Australia, and for some years, a citizen of the United States, he has many times turned for inspiration to the folk-tunes of the Old Country, and this setting of a fine old Irish air is among the best known and the most successful of his slighter pieces for orchestra.
'Molly on the Shore' is the name of an old Irish reel, and along with another reel called 'Temple Hill,' Percy Grainger has used it to build up this jolly and thoroughly popular piece. He delights not only in making use of folk-music, but in speaking of it in the most unconventional terms, no doubt by way of making it clear to the least musical how thoroughly popular his music is intended to be. And he takes the public into his confidence in other happy ways; this piece is called 'Birthday Gift to Mother, 1907.' It is one of a number of what he calls 'British Folk Music Settings,' which are collectively dedicated to the memory of Grieg.

Miriam Licette (Soprano) and Strings
Four Old English Songs transcribed and arranged by Antony Bernard