Composer

:

E.J. Moeran

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Character Piece

Compose Date

:

1925

Average_duration

:

5:41

"Summer Valley" is a composition for orchestra by English composer E.J. Moeran. It was composed in 1942 and premiered on 22 October 1942 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement, marked "Allegro moderato," begins with a lively and energetic theme played by the strings. This theme is then passed around the orchestra, with each section taking turns to play it. The middle section of the movement is more subdued, with a lyrical melody played by the woodwinds. The movement ends with a return to the energetic opening theme. The second movement, marked "Lento," is a slow and melancholy piece. It begins with a mournful melody played by the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds. The middle section of the movement features a solo for the oboe, which is then echoed by the clarinet. The movement ends with a return to the opening melody, played by the strings. The final movement, marked "Allegro vivace," is a lively and upbeat piece. It begins with a jaunty theme played by the woodwinds, which is then taken up by the strings. The middle section of the movement features a solo for the trumpet, which is then echoed by the other brass instruments. The movement ends with a return to the opening theme, played by the full orchestra. Overall, "Summer Valley" is a bright and cheerful piece of music, with a pastoral feel that reflects Moeran's love of the English countryside. The piece is notable for its use of folk melodies and its lush orchestration, which showcases Moeran's skill as an orchestrator.

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