While Spring and Summer Sang: Thomas Beecham and the Music of Frederick Delius

Lyndon Jenkins provides the first in-depth study of the extraordinary creative relationship between Beecham and Delius. Starting with the first meeting of the composer and conductor in 1907, Jenkins charts Beecham’s gradual introduction of Delius’s compositions to British and foreign audiences, the operatic premières and revivals, the Delius festivals that he organized in 1929 and 1946, and the formation of the Delius Trust upon the composer’s death in 1934. Also described is Beecham’s continuing crusade for Delius’s music up to his own death in 1961. Includes a critical discography.