Delius - Florida Suite

Delius conjured up his memories of the sunshine state from Germany.

Despite the work's title, Delius actually composed this popular suite in Leipzig in 1887. It was inspired by the bright landscapes and balmy weather of Florida which he experienced while spending time managing an orange grove, mainly centred around the St. Johns River.

He also managed to study music with an organist during this time in Jacksonville.

The first movement, 'Daybreak', includes a version of the tune 'La Calinda', which Delius later used in his opera Koanga.

The conductor Sir Thomas Beecham was a noted champion of the work and had a score made from the composer's original manuscript. The suite was not published until 1963 however.