John Ireland

Elegy and Menuet

Composer John Ireland had a particular love for the Sussex Downs, where he lived much of his life in a converted windmill. The Downland Suite reflects his appreciation of that landscape and is among the most loved of hismanyworks. Originally composed for Brass Band in four movements, the two favourite elements of the Downland Suite are here extracted and arranged for Piano. The Elegy and Menuet has also been arranged for String Orchestra andisplayed frequently. The Elegy is reminiscent of Elgar and has an ineffable Englishness about it. The Menuet has been described as 'bucolic'. Both are within the reach of intermediate pianists in this arrangement.