Delius recalled by Sir Thomas Beecham

Sir Thomas Beecham recalls the life of composer Frederick Delius in an interview with Edmumd Tracey broadcast on 22 Nov 1959.
Listen to Sir Thomas and others conduct Delius music at
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[@stickwagger]

Thank you so much for this posting. Beecham reveals himself in a rare way i.e. not bombastic or pompous. It's a great piece.

[@alanwitton5980]

Great interview giving a valuable insight into the life of Delius

[@bloodgrss]

What a spirit...and what a conductor. No one ever like him...one of the best in music he was sympathetic with...and as you can hear, a great wit and intelligence...

[@markparry6076]

Beecham is clearly wrong when he states that Delius apart from one occasion never heard his music on the orchestra In fact Delius had heard The Florida suite Folkaraadet Over the hills and far away and Paa Vidderne prior to the 1899 concert

[@WeeGrahamsaccount]

thank you

[@dabedwards]

Many thanks for this. Was it from a TV interview, maybe a BBC Monitor programme? I have a clear (but maybe false) memory of seeing as well as hearing Beecham talking hilariously about Delius' ineptitude as a conductor (07.25); I also remember him being asked if he would confirm the story about him and the lady cellist, to which he replied only "Optimist!".

[@Azoz195]

"what sort of jam he liked for tea..."