Show[s] both the impact of Norwegian nature and culture on Delius, and Delius's role in Norwegian culture. [Boyle's] aim is to retrieve Delius from the traditional view as a composer of English summer idylls, and to show the role the mountains-and the Oslo fjord- played in his life. FONTES ARTIS MUSICAE Having set the scene ... Read moreso thoroughly, Boyle goes on to chronicle Delius's Norwegian wanderings, dalliances and intellectual meanderings in prose that is ever well-researched, candid and elegant. The places and people Delius encountered are vividly drawn, and one develops a tangible sense of the composer's foibles and tastes...The lively topic and sparkling writing ensure an unprecedented volume of high worth for scholar and enthusiast alike. SPIRITED, THE GAZETTE OF THE ENGLISH MUSIC FESTIVAL [E]ssential to every serious Delius enthusiast. Highly recommended. THE DELIAN [F]ills many gaps in our knowledge of Delius's life, and further expands our understanding of his music. . . . So many different cultures, countries, philosophies, and experiences made up the personality and music of Delius and it is timely that this particular long-overlooked aspect
his relationship to Norway
receives the meticulous and sympathetic attention that it does here. NABMSA REVIEWS [A] satisfying readable analysis of Delius, his world and his music. COSCAN MAGAZINE The whole book is written with the love, poetry and insight that Delius' music deserves. BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE A delight to read!...a private journey into unexplored territory...with images and such vivid descriptions of the Nordic lands and its music...the majority of the book was new to me...a must read. Peter Byrom-Smith, THE BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY It opens a wider window for the first time on an essential element within the composer's creative world. MUSICAL OPINION [Peter Dickinson] Boyle's research has thrown up much new material on Delius' personal relationships with composers, musicians, artists, political figures and other Norwegian notables, plus hitherto unknown facts regarding his travels to the country. It makes for an absorbing read. MUSICWEB Show Less