Richards, F: The Music of John Ireland

'The book is beautifully produced - a must for all lovers not only of music, but of the country, of poetry and of our heritage.' Colin Scott-Sutherland, British Music Society Newsletter + Classical Music on the Web. '... this volume is a must for all interested in the subject. It's one of the best of its kind for many years ... worth every penny...' The Delian 'One can readliy appreciate the effectiveness of the book's structure...it certainly has riches to offer every interested reader...her book treats Ireland's music to its most thorough and even-handed examination to date.' Musical Times 'Tactfully, but resolutely, she has confronted the problems head on, and therefore come up with a thought-provoking study of a strange and, some might say, flawed genius.' Music and Letters 'Though the title suggests a volume devoted primarily to music analysis, this excellent book is also a full biography which gives considerable insight into the life, passions and spirituality of this long-lived but slightly reclusive composer.' Church Music Quarterly 'Ms Richards includes many musical examples of the chamber works, piano pieces, songs and orchestral works and church music, and her analyses alongside the snippets of biographical detail are most illuminating...(her) well-chosen and revelatory quotations from Ireland's correspondence is another strength...this is a meritorious and long overdue assessment of the music of John Ireland.' Ian Lace, Classical Music on the Web '... first-rate...' Cathedral Music